The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20