The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20