The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20