The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Nay! I swear by this city. 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 an orphaned relative 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20