The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20