The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 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 shall be Fire closing round. 20