The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he could not scale the steep ascent. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20