The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20