The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20