The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 and I swear by the parent and his offspring: 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 saying, 'I have consumed wealth abundant'? 6 Does man think that no one saw him? 7 Did We not give him two eyes, 8 And a tongue and two lips? 9 and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.) 13 Or, feeding, in a day of privation, 14 of an orphaned relative 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 over them is a Fire covered down. 20