The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 an orphaned relative 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20