The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;- 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what do you know what that difficult steep is? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 And (as for) those who disbelieve in our communications, they are the people of the left hand. 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20