The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 Verily We have created man into toil and hardship. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He will say: 'I have destroyed a vast wealth' 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 And what shall make thee understand that which the steep is? 12 It is the freeing of a slave 13 Or the feeding on a day of hunger. 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or the poor in distress; 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20