The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 in which you are now living 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20