The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 And by the begetter and that which he begat, 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that no one can overpower him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 How will you comprehend what the Steep ascent is? -- 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 Or to the poor man lying in the dust. 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Their place will be on the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20