The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 an orphaned relative 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 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 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20