The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show 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 will be fire closed in. 20