The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 in which you are now living 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says, "I have spent enormous 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 have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 and what shall teach thee what is the steep? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 to an orphaned relative 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20