The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 We verily have created man in an atmosphere: 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20