The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! 6 Does he, then, think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 Have We not shown him the ways of good and evil? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 Of a related orphan, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20