The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphaned relative 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 On them is fire closed over. 20