The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he could not scale the steep ascent. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or a needy person 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 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20