The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he did not venture to scale the difficult steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20