The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 in which you are now living 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20