The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he then 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 highways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and 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 Fire will be an awning over them. 20