The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 who will be engulfed in the fire. 20