The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 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 guided him on the two highways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20