The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 in which you are now living 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 and [as for] those who are bent on denying the truth of Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand, 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20