The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Does he then think that no one sees 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 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20