The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over 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 make two eyes for him? 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20