The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20