The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he, then, 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 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20