The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 or, in a day of famine, the feeding of 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 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 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20