The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20