The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he could not scale the steep ascent. 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20