The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20