The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20