The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny); 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 What, does he think none has power over him, 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he believe that none has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes? 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And shown him the two highways? 10 Yet he has not scaled the height. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 an orphaned relative 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 then that he become of those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20