The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 Then he became of those who believed and enjoined on each other steadfastness and enjoined on each other compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20