The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 And thou art an indweller of this city - 2 and [I call to witness] parent and offspring: 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance." 6 Does he think that no one has seen him? 7 Did We not assign unto him two eyes 8 and a tongue, and a pair of lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 Yet he has not assaulted the steep; 11 And what could make thee conceive what it is, that steep uphill road? 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine), 14 To an orphan near of kin. 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. 17 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. 18 And those who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the Companions of the Left Hand; 19 On them is fire closed over. 20