The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 in which you are now living 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does he think then that no one 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 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch 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 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20