The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 in which you are now living 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Did We not grant him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20