The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And you are free (from sin, to punish the enemies of Islam on the Day of the conquest) in this city (Makkah). 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 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 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20