The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 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 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20