The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 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 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20