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 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he did not venture to scale the difficult steep. 11 And what do you know what that difficult steep is? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 Or some poor wretch 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. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20