The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20