The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given 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 would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to 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 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20