The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20