The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 in which you are now living 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think then 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 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20