The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20