The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he 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 shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20