The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20