The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most 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 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 to an orphaned relative 15 Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery. 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 with the Fire closed above them. 20