The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much 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 and guided him on the two highways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20