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 a lodger in this country. 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: 6 Does he think that no one has seen 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 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 to an orphaned relative 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 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20