The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ No, I swear by this country (Mecca), 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 or by the great father and his wonderful son (Abraham and Ishmael) 3 Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial. 4 Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 5 He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.” 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?- 8 One tongue, and two lips, 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?- 12 (It is) the freeing of a slave, 13 Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 14 An orphan near of kin, 15 or to a destitute lying in dust; 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 They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), 18 But those who disbelieve in Our verses, they are the Companions of the Left, 19 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 20