The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 in which you are now living 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 16 Then he became of those who believed and enjoined on each other steadfastness and enjoined on each other compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20