The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 And by the giver of birth, and whom he fathered, 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 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 think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20