The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome 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 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20