The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 in which you are now living 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20