The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 in which you are now living 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 And 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 will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20