The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is the freeing of a slave; 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 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 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20