The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20