Surah Al-Balad (Arabic: البلد), is a Meccan surah and is the 90th chapter of the Qur'an. Its name translates to "The Countryside", "The Country", or "The City". Comprising 20 verses, it centers on themes of human struggle, morality, and the significance of righteous deeds. Its name refers to Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born, emphasizing its sacredness and connection to his mission.
Surah Al Balad in the Holy Quran exists after Surah Al-Fajr, and both surahs stress the idea that humans will be held accountable for their actions, especially in how they deal with wealth and power. The surah that follows, Surah Ash-Shams, continues this emphasis on moral accountability. The surahs surrounding Surah Al-Balad are linked by the Qur'an’s constant reminder that humans are presented with choices, and that their eternal fate depends on it.
Revelation:
The surah was revealed in Mecca, which was a time for great struggle and distress to the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims around them as they faced opposition from disbelievers. It addresses the arrogance of those who believed they were self-sufficient and did not need divine guidance. Some scholars suggest the surah was revealed in response to the wealthy and powerful leaders of Mecca, who rejected the message of Islam. A key figure mentioned is Abu al-Ashadd, who boasted about his wealth and strength, implying that he had no need for Allah’s ﷻ intervention. The chapter reminds people that no matter how wealthy or powerful they become, their humanity and the need to make moral choices remain essential.
Translation:
Translation:
- Verse 1: I swear by this city [i.e. Mecca].
- Verse 2: And you are free [from sin, and to punish the enemies of Islam on the Day of the conquest] in this city [Mecca].
- Verse 3: And by the begetter [i.e. Adam AS] and that which he begot [i.e. his progeny].
- Verse 4: Indeed We have created man (to live) in hard struggle.
- Verse 5: Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?
- Verse 6: He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance."
- Verse 7: Does he think that no one has seen him?
- Verse 8: Have We not given them two eyes?
- Verse 9: And a tongue and two lips?
- Verse 10: And shown them the two paths [of right and wrong]?
- Verse 11: Yet he did not make his way through the steep course,
- Verse 12: What will explain to you what the steep path is?
- Verse 13: It is the freeing of a slave,
- Verse 14: Or to give food in times of severe hunger,
- Verse 15: To an orphaned relative,
- Verse 16: Or a needy person in distress,
- Verse 17: And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion.
- Verse 18: These are the people of the right (i.e. the dwellers of Paradise),
- Verse 19: As for those who deny Our signs, they are the people of the left.
- Verse 20: The Fire will be sealed over them.
In Depth:
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Verses 1-4:
- Allah ﷻ swears by Mecca and the significance of this city, where the Prophet ﷺ resides, facing hardships. Mecca has attained a great honor for being the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and a home to some previous prophets.
- The mention of "parent and offspring" is interpreted as Adam and his descendants, symbolizing the cycle of human toil.
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Verse 5:
- A rhetorical question asks: "Does man think that no one has power over him?" It critiques human arrogance, where some believe their wealth and status make them invulnerable, and that no one can overcome them.
- A rhetorical question asks: "Does man think that no one has power over him?" It critiques human arrogance, where some believe their wealth and status make them invulnerable, and that no one can overcome them.
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Verses 6-10:
- Here, the surah highlights human blessings: eyes, tongue, and lips, which are essential for communication and discernment.
- Allah ﷻ also points to guidance, showing mankind the "two paths" (good and evil), urging people to follow righteousness.
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Verses 11-17:
- These verses describe the "difficult path" (or steep incline), which symbolizes virtuous deeds, such as freeing slaves, feeding the poor, and caring for orphans.
- The surah emphasizes that living a righteous life requires overcoming selfishness and material temptations, pointing to the significance of charity and compassion.
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Verses 18-20:
- These verses remind us of the accountability of our actions and ends of the choices we make. They speak of the righteous being the companions of the right, as in the dwellers or heaven, and the companions of the left, as in the denizens of hell, which will be sealed upon them.
- These verses remind us of the accountability of our actions and ends of the choices we make. They speak of the righteous being the companions of the right, as in the dwellers or heaven, and the companions of the left, as in the denizens of hell, which will be sealed upon them.
Surah Al-Balad is a reminder of the moral challenges every human must face. The steep incline represents the struggle to lead a virtuous life despite the ease of indulging in selfish desires. Allah ﷻ emphasizes the importance of caring for others, especially the less fortunate, by listing concrete actions that require much selflessness.
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Human Struggle and Moral Choices: Life is filled with challenges, but overcoming these through good deeds is crucial. The surah clearly contrasts the path of righteousness with that of selfishness.
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Compassion for Others: Allah ﷻ clarifies the means of salvation from Hellfire through freeing slaves from the servitude of others besides Allah ﷻ, as slavery was still prevalent in Mecca. Other acts of charity include feeding the needy on a day of famine, where hardships do not prevent him from adhering to Allah’s ﷻ commands regarding charity towards others. The first people who deserve charity are the orphans who are relatives, as this allows a person to combine the reward of maintaining family ties with the reward of feeding the needy.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Charity given to the poor is charity, and charity given to a relative is two things: charity and maintaining the ties of kinship."
After that comes the needy and the distressed, emphasizing the value of that the greater the urgency to resolve the distress, and the greater the self-sacrifice, the higher the reward.
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Arrogance vs. Humility: The surah warns against arrogance, especially by the wealthy and powerful, reminding them that eventually they will stand accountable for their actions to be judged by Allah ﷻ.
Merits:
Of the merits of reciting Surah Al Balad, that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever recites 'La Uqsimu Bi-Hadha Al-Balad' (Surah Al-Balad) in their obligatory prayer will be recognized in this world as among the righteous, and in the Hereafter, they will be known to have a special place with Allah ﷻ. On the Day of Judgment, they will be among the companions of the prophets, martyrs, and the righteous."
Conclusion:
Surah Al-Balad, with its profound ethical and moral guidance, urges believers to live compassionately, overcoming the temptations of wealth and pride. It reminds us that the true measure of a person lies not in material wealth, but in their deeds of kindness, charity, and humility. This surah’s timeless message continues to resonate, especially in a world where the struggle between self-interest and the greater good is ever-present.
Surah Al-Balad, with its profound ethical and moral guidance, urges believers to live compassionately, overcoming the temptations of wealth and pride. It reminds us that the true measure of a person lies not in material wealth, but in their deeds of kindness, charity, and humility. This surah’s timeless message continues to resonate, especially in a world where the struggle between self-interest and the greater good is ever-present.
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like and subscribe to their channel.
