The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 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 did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20