The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20