The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20