The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20