The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he could not scale the steep ascent. 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20