The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not make two eyes for him? 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20