The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20