The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 and shown him the two paths? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20