The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20