The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20