The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20