The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 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 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20