The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by yonder city 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or to the indigent (down) 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 Those are the companions of the right. 18 But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell). 19 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20