The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he could not scale the steep ascent. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20