The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 We created the human in fatigue. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Deemest he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips, 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 An orphan, of kin, 15 or of a needy [stranger] lying in the dust 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 Those are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20