The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 of an orphaned relative 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 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20