The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 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. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20