The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 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 the feeding in times of famine 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 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 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 who will be engulfed in the fire. 20