The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or, in a day of famine, the feeding of 14 to an orphaned relative 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20