The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 And you are free (from sin, to punish the enemies of Islam on the Day of the conquest) in this city (Makkah). 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20