The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell). 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20