The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 that We have created man into a life of toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 Yet, he has not entered into Aqaba 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 or to a destitute lying in 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 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20