The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city, Makkah - 1 And you shall be made free from obligation in this city-- 2 and by parent and offspring, 3 Certainly We have created man to be in distress. 4 Does he, then, think that no one has power over him? 5 He says, “I destroyed vast wealth.” 6 Thinks he that none sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep. 11 What will explain to you what the ascent is? 12 [It is] the freeing of one's neck [from the burden of sin,] 13 or the feeding, upon a day of [one's own] hunger, 14 an orphaned relative 15 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust. 16 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. 17 They are the people of the right hand (and will succeed). 18 And those who disbelieve Our signs - they are the fellows of the lefthand. 19 Fire will be an awning over them. 20