The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Did We not give 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 would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20