The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20