The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 in which you are now living 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 What will explain to you 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 a needy person in misery 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20