The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20