The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he did not venture to scale the difficult steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20