The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over 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 made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20