The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20