The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20