The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the 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 certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 And to be of those who believe, and urge upon one another to persevere, and urge upon each other to be kind. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20