The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or a needy person in misery 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 fellows of the righthand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20