The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what do you know what that difficult steep is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20