The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 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 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20