The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20