The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast 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 did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20