The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 For you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) are in this city. 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20