The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 – this city wherein you have been rendered violable– 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 What could let you know what the height is! 12 The freeing of a slave, 13 or giving food upon a day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20