The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he did not venture to scale the difficult steep. 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20