The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 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 [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 to an orphan near of kin 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 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20