The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Thinks he that none sees 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? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those who do so are the people 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 Fire will be an awning over them. 20