The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Thinketh he that none hath power over him? 5 He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!" 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 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 they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20