The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower 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 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he has not attempted the ascent. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20