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 (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath 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 have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 or some needy person 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 These are the people of the right. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20