The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not give 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 would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 so that he becomes one of those who believe, charge each other to be patient, and charge each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 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 and the Fire will close in on them. 20