The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 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 boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20