The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20