The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does He think that no one will ever have control over 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 no one has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 And a tongue and a pair of lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he hath not attempted the Ascent - 11 And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 or giving food on a day of hunger 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 But those who deny Our revelations are the people of the left hand: 19 and the Fire will close in on them. 20