The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Thinks he that none 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 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 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 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20