The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 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 those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20