The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And you are free to live upon it, -- 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Does man think that no one will ever have power over him? 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And shown unto him the two highways? 10 But he would not attempt the uphill road, 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 It is the setting free of a slave 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity. 17 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20