The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20