The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 who will be engulfed in the fire. 20