The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Does he think then that no one has power over him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 Then he became of those who believed and enjoined on each other steadfastness and enjoined on each other compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20