The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 For you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) are in this city. 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20