The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 Of a related orphan, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20