The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 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 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20