The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or the giving of food in a day of hunger 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or a needy person in misery 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 Over them will be fire closed in. 20