The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he, then, 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 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20