The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20