The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20