The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20