The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (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 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 to an orphan near of kin; 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20