The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not given 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 has not attempted the ascent. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 16 And to be of those who believe, and urge upon one another to persevere, and urge upon each other to be kind. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20