The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20