The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20