The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 to an orphaned relative 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell). 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20