The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 and guided him on the two highways? 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 setting free of a slave 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20