The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20