The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 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 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 with the Fire closed above them. 20