The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 to an orphaned relative 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right. 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 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20