The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with 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 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20