The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 of an orphan near of kin, 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 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20