The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 with the Fire closed above them. 20