The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20