The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We have certainly created man into hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 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 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 The freeing of a slave! 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 an orphaned relative 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 whereas those who are bent on denying the truth of Our messages - they are such as have lost themselves in evil, 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20