The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 and thou art a lodger in this land; 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Deemest he that none will overpower him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And showed him two highways (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 It is freeing the neck, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 of an orphan near of kin, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 16 the believers who cooperate with others in patience (steadfastness) and kindness. 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 Upon them shall be a Fire that will hem them in. 20