The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20