The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 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 says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20