The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20