The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 in which you are now living 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 What, does he think none 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 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 of an orphaned relative 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20