The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20