The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 For you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) are in this city. 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 Then he became of those who believed and enjoined on each other steadfastness and enjoined on each other compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20