The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20