The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Makkah); 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 That We created man in toil and trouble. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two highways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 Of a related orphan, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 These are the People of the Right Hand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20