The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 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 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20