The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20