The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 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 will ever have control over him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 a tongue, and two lips? 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 the giving of food upon the day of hunger 14 to an orphan near of kin 15 Or of a homeless needy person! 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and 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 [with] fire closing in upon them. 20