The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 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 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20