The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not give 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 hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20