The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 who will be engulfed in the fire. 20