The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20