The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20