The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20