The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given 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 attempteth not the steep, 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20