The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 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 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20