The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city (Mecca) – 1 and you are dwelling in this city -- 2 And the parent and the offspring, 3 that We have created the human being to face a great deal of hardship. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He saith: I have wasted riches plenteous. 6 Does he then think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not given him two eyes, 8 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?- 9 And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways? 10 Yet he attempteth not the steep, 11 And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? 12 (It is:) freeing the bondman; 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 To the orphan with claims of relationship, 15 Or a poor man cleaving to the dust. 16 and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right hand. 18 As for those who disbelieve in Our revelations, they are the people of the left 19 On them is fire closed over. 20