The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 who will be engulfed in the fire. 20