The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 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 squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 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 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20