The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20