The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are a lodger in this country. 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 We have indeed created man surrounded by hardships. 4 Does he think that no one has power over him? 5 He says (boastfully): "I have wasted wealth in abundance!" 6 Does he think that none has observed him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And have shown him the two ways? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what will make you know the path that is steep? 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 or the feeding in times of famine 14 to an orphaned relative 15 Or some poor wretch in misery, 16 Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion. 17 Such are they that have attained to righteousness; 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20