The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ No! I swear by this land, 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think 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 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20