Experience the powerful wisdom of Surah Al-Balad (The City), a life-changing Quranic chapter that inspires courage, sacrifice, and compassion, guiding believers toward true success through faith and resilience.
Surah 90: Al-Balad (The City)
Introduction
Surah Al-Balad is the 90th chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah. It contains 20 verses and addresses themes of human struggle, moral responsibility, and the true path to success in the sight of Allah. The Surah begins with an oath by the sacred city of Makkah, highlighting its significance, and then turns attention to the human condition — that life is full of toil and tests. It confronts human arrogance, reminding that all blessings like eyes, tongue, and lips are given for a purpose. The Surah outlines the “steep path” — a metaphor for moral and spiritual challenges — which includes acts of compassion, freeing slaves, caring for orphans, and helping the needy. It closes with the contrasting outcomes for those who follow the path of righteousness and those who deny Allah’s signs. 0 0 0
Surah 90: Al-Balad (The City): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
(1) I swear by this city (Makkah) –
(2) And you, [O Muhammad], are dwelling in this city –
(3) And [I swear] by the begetter and that which he begot –
(4) We have certainly created man in hardship.
(5) Does he think that no one has power over him?
(6) He says, “I have wasted vast wealth.”
(7) Does he think that no one sees him?
(8) Have We not made for him two eyes –
(9) And a tongue, and two lips –
(10) And shown him the two clear ways (of right and wrong)?
(11) But he has not attempted the steep path.
(12) And what will make you know what the steep path is?
(13) It is freeing a slave –
(14) Or feeding, on a day of severe hunger –
(15) An orphan near of kin –
(16) Or a needy person lying in the dust –
(17) And then being among those who believe and urge one another to patience and urge one another to compassion.
(18) They are the people of the right hand.
(19) But those who disbelieve in Our signs – they are the people of the left hand.
(20) Over them will be a Fire closed in. 0 0 0
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Comment
This Surah reminds us that life is inherently a test filled with challenges, but the true honor lies not in wealth or worldly status, rather in the compassion and moral integrity a person shows. The “steep path” is not easy; it demands sacrifice, selflessness, and a readiness to put others’ needs before one’s own comfort. It calls believers to see beyond themselves, to help the vulnerable, and to stand firm in patience and mercy. The conclusion of the Surah draws a sharp line between the ultimate fate of the righteous — the people of the right hand — and the deniers, who will face a closed-in fire with no escape. The message is timeless: real success is achieved by walking the harder road of goodness, even when it is against one’s own desires. 0 0 0
FAQs Answers on Surah Al-Balad (The City)
Q1. What is Surah Al-Balad (The City) about?
Surah Al-Balad (The City) is the 90th chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah with 20 verses. It highlights human struggles, the tests of life, and the moral responsibility of helping others. The surah teaches that true greatness lies not in pride or wealth, but in striving for good, enduring hardships with patience, and supporting the poor, the orphan, and the needy.
Q2. Why is the surah named Al-Balad (The City)?
The word Al-Balad means “The City,” and it refers to the sacred city of Makkah. In the opening verses, Allah swears by Makkah, emphasizing its holiness as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the center of faith. Naming the surah after the city reflects the connection between divine guidance, human struggle, and the spiritual sanctuary that Makkah represents.
Q3. What is the main theme of Surah Al-Balad (The City)?
The main theme is human struggle and the moral choice between good and evil. Surah Al-Balad (The City) emphasizes that life is a test where people must face challenges and decide whether to follow the difficult path of righteousness or the easy path of selfishness. It shows that success lies in charity, patience, and helping others, not in arrogance or worldly wealth.
Q4. How does Surah Al-Balad (The City) describe human life?
Surah Al-Balad (The City) describes human life as a constant struggle (kabad), where every person faces challenges and hardships. It reminds people that these struggles are part of Allah’s design, meant to test faith, resilience, and moral choices. Instead of complaining or being arrogant, humans are called to endure patiently and use their strength to help others.
Q5. What is the “steep path” mentioned in Surah Al-Balad (The City)?
The “steep path” (al-‘aqabah) is a metaphor for the difficult but rewarding way of righteousness. It refers to freeing slaves, feeding the poor during hunger, caring for orphans, and supporting the needy. Walking the steep path requires effort, sacrifice, and compassion, but it leads to spiritual success and eternal reward, unlike the easy path of selfishness and neglect.
Q6. How does Surah Al-Balad (The City) connect faith with social responsibility?
The surah strongly emphasizes that true faith must be shown through actions. Belief in Allah must translate into acts of kindness, justice, and charity. Surah Al-Balad (The City) highlights the importance of caring for the weak and oppressed, teaching that faith without compassion is incomplete. This makes the surah a call for both spiritual devotion and social responsibility.
Q7. What warnings are given in Surah Al-Balad (The City)?
The surah warns against arrogance, greed, and neglect of the needy. It criticizes those who boast of their wealth, believing it grants them power and status, while ignoring their duty to others. Surah Al-Balad (The City) reminds such people that wealth will not save them on the Day of Judgment. Instead, their neglect and arrogance will lead to punishment.
Q8. What does Surah Al-Balad (The City) say about charity and compassion?
Charity and compassion are central themes. The surah calls on believers to free captives, feed the hungry, and support the vulnerable. These acts are described as the “steep path” that requires sacrifice and empathy. Surah Al-Balad (The City) teaches that true honor lies not in wealth but in serving humanity, showing that compassion is the essence of faith.
Q9. How is Surah Al-Balad (The City) relevant today?
Surah Al-Balad (The City) remains highly relevant in today’s world, where poverty, inequality, and injustice are widespread. Its message encourages people to rise above selfishness and materialism, to be generous, and to uphold justice. It inspires modern readers to use their struggles as opportunities for growth and to make a positive difference in society through compassion and sacrifice.
Q10. How does Surah Al-Balad (The City) end, and what hope does it give believers?
The surah concludes by contrasting the fate of the righteous and the wicked. Those who believe and act righteously will be among the companions of the right, blessed with eternal peace and reward. Meanwhile, those who reject truth and neglect their duties will face punishment. The ending gives hope and encouragement to believers, assuring them that their patience and sacrifices will lead to lasting success. 0 0 0
