The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20