The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 An orphan of near 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 Those are the companions of the right. 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20