The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And you are free (from sin, to punish the enemies of Islam on the Day of the conquest) in this city (Makkah). 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 And to be of those who believe, and urge upon one another to persevere, and urge upon each other to be kind. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20