The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Nay, I swear by this city - 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 And a 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 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20