The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 and a tongue, and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 Would that you knew what Aqaba is! 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 and downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would be of) 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 On them is fire closed over. 20