The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or to a needy person in distress; 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 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20