The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20