The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 with the Fire closed above them. 20