The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 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 no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says, "I destroyed vast wealth." 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth 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 not attempted the ascent. 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20