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 the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20