The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 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 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20