The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 To free a neck from the burden of debt or slavery, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right. 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