The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20