The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 an orphaned relative 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20