The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 or, in a day of famine, the feeding of 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 or some needy person in distress, 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 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20