The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city - 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 The Fire will be shut over them (i.e. they will be enveloped by the Fire without any opening or window or outlet. 20