The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome 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 One tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or a needy person in misery 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 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20