The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20