The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does he think that 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 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20