The Town (Al-Balad)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 by the begetter, and that he begot, 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 (He boasts and shows off) saying, "I have spent a great deal of money (for the cause of God)". 6 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? 7 Have We not appointed to him two eyes, 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And did We not guide him to the two elevated things? 10 But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 (It is) the setting free of a slave, 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 To an orphan, having relationship, 15 or to a needy person in distress; 16 And moreover to be of those who accepted faith, and who urged patience to one another and who urged graciousness to one another. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 And those who denied Our signs, are the people of the left. 19 who will be engulfed in the fire. 20