The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ No! I swear by this land, 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 or to a destitute lying in 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 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20