The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20