The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think then 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 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 to an orphaned relative 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20