The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20