The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20