The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20