The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Assuredly We have created man in trouble. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two 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 hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what do you know what that difficult steep is? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 Those who do so are the people of the right hand, 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20