The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 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 showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 And what do you know what that difficult steep is? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 or a needy man in misery; 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 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20