The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20