The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20