The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 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 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20