The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20