The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (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 indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 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 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell). 19 with the Fire closed above them. 20