The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 in which you are now living 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20