The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder 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 says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or a poor man cleaving to 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 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20