The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of 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