The Town (Al-Balad)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He shall say: I have wasted much wealth. 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he could not scale the steep ascent. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 It is freeing someone's neck from slavery; 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 And to be of those who believe, and urge upon one another to persevere, and urge upon each other to be kind. 17 Those are the companions of the right. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 Upon them is a fire, in which they are imprisoned, closed and shut above them. 20