The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 And thou art a freeman of this City;- 2 And the begetter and whom he begot. 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 And to feed in the day of hunger. 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20