The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20