The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 in which you are now living 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 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 (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20