The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 or, in a day of famine, the feeding of 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 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 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20