The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20