The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 in which you are now living 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 never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20