The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 in which you are now living 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 an orphaned relative 15 or to a destitute lying in 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 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20