The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 an orphaned relative 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 And to be of those who believe, and urge upon one another to persevere, and urge upon each other to be kind. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell). 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20