The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20