The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20