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سُورَةُ البَلَدِ

Surah Al-Balad

The City · Surah 90 · 20 verses · Meccan

  1. 1

    بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ لَآ أُقْسِمُ بِهَٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ

    Laaa uqsimu bihaazal balad

    I swear by this city, Makkah -

  2. 2

    وَأَنتَ حِلٌّۢ بِهَٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ

    Wa anta hillum bihaazal balad

    And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city -

  3. 3

    وَوَالِدٍۢ وَمَا وَلَدَ

    Wa waalidinw wa maa walad

    And [by] the father and that which was born [of him],

  4. 4

    لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ فِى كَبَدٍ

    Laqad khalaqnal insaana fee kabad

    We have certainly created man into hardship.

  5. 5

    أَيَحْسَبُ أَن لَّن يَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ أَحَدٌۭ

    Ayahsabu al-lai yaqdira 'alaihi ahad

    Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?

  6. 6

    يَقُولُ أَهْلَكْتُ مَالًۭا لُّبَدًا

    Yaqoolu ahlaktu maalal lubadaa

    He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance."

  7. 7

    أَيَحْسَبُ أَن لَّمْ يَرَهُۥٓ أَحَدٌ

    Ayahsabu al lam yarahooo ahad

    Does he think that no one has seen him?

  8. 8

    أَلَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ عَيْنَيْنِ

    Alam naj'al lahoo 'aynayn

    Have We not made for him two eyes?

  9. 9

    وَلِسَانًۭا وَشَفَتَيْنِ

    Wa lisaananw wa shafatayn

    And a tongue and two lips?

  10. 10

    وَهَدَيْنَٰهُ ٱلنَّجْدَيْنِ

    Wa hadaynaahun najdayn

    And have shown him the two ways?

  11. 11

    فَلَا ٱقْتَحَمَ ٱلْعَقَبَةَ

    Falaq tahamal-'aqabah

    But he has not broken through the difficult pass.

  12. 12

    وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا ٱلْعَقَبَةُ

    Wa maaa adraaka mal'aqabah

    And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass?

  13. 13

    فَكُّ رَقَبَةٍ

    Fakku raqabah

    It is the freeing of a slave

  14. 14

    أَوْ إِطْعَٰمٌۭ فِى يَوْمٍۢ ذِى مَسْغَبَةٍۢ

    Aw it'aamun fee yawmin zee masghabah

    Or feeding on a day of severe hunger

  15. 15

    يَتِيمًۭا ذَا مَقْرَبَةٍ

    Yateeman zaa maqrabah

    An orphan of near relationship

  16. 16

    أَوْ مِسْكِينًۭا ذَا مَتْرَبَةٍۢ

    Aw miskeenan zaa matrabah

    Or a needy person in misery

  17. 17

    ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْمَرْحَمَةِ

    Summa kaana minal lazeena aamanoo wa tawaasaw bissabri wa tawaasaw bilmarhamah

    And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion.

  18. 18

    أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْمَيْمَنَةِ

    Ulaaa'ika As-haabul maimanah

    Those are the companions of the right.

  19. 19

    وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا هُمْ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلْمَشْـَٔمَةِ

    Wallazeena kafaroo bi aayaatinaa hum as-haabul Mash'amah

    But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left.

  20. 20

    عَلَيْهِمْ نَارٌۭ مُّؤْصَدَةٌۢ

    Alaihim naarum mu'sadah

    Over them will be fire closed in.

Arabic text, transliteration and translations (Saheeh International; Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih for Bahasa Melayu) via alquran.cloud. Recitation by Mishary Alafasy via Islamic Network.

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Key insights

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Surah Al-Balad

2. Key Themes and Lessons of Surah Al-Balad

3. Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Balad

4. How to Apply Surah Al-Balad to Your Daily Life

5. Explore More Islamic Tools and Knowledge Hubs

1. Introduction to Surah Al-Balad

Surah Al-Balad is the 90th chapter of the Holy Quran, consisting of 20 powerful verses that offer profound guidance for humanity. Revealed during the early Makkan period, this Surah takes its name from the very first verse, where Allah swears an oath by "this city" (Al-Balad), referring to the sacred city of Makkah. During this period, the early Muslim community faced severe persecution, hardship, and isolation. The historical context of this revelation serves as a comforting reminder that human life is inherently intertwined with trials, but these challenges are designed to elevate our spiritual status and test our moral resolve.

When you take the time to read Surah Al-Balad online, you will discover that it beautifully contrasts the arrogance of wealthy disbelievers with the noble path of spiritual righteousness. Allah reminds humanity of the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us, such as our eyes, tongue, lips, and the ability to discern right from wrong. Despite these divine gifts, many individuals choose a path of self-indulgence rather than climbing the steep, rewarding path of faith and selflessness. Understanding the background of Surah Al-Balad helps us appreciate its timeless relevance to our modern struggles.

2. Key Themes and Lessons of Surah Al-Balad

As we dive deeper into the meaning of Surah Al-Balad, we can uncover several vital core values and central messages that shape a believer's worldview:

  • The Reality of Human Struggle: Allah explicitly states that He created human beings into a life of labor and struggle. Hardship is an unavoidable part of the human experience, designed to test our patience and reliance on God.
  • The Delusion of Wealth and Power: The Surah rebukes those who spend their wealth boastfully or believe that their material riches make them invincible. True security comes from God, not from accumulated financial power.
  • The "Steep Path" (Al-Aqabah): Allah describes the path to righteousness as an uphill climb. This spiritual ascent requires active effort, self-discipline, and a willingness to overcome our selfish desires.
  • Compassion for the Vulnerable: A central theme of Surah Al-Balad is the mandatory duty to care for the marginalized. True faith is demonstrated by freeing those in bondage, feeding the hungry, and supporting orphans and the destitute.
  • The Companions of the Right Hand: The chapter concludes by defining the believers as those who enjoin patience and deeds of compassion, promising them the ultimate reward of entering Paradise as the "Companions of the Right."

3. Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Balad

Regularly engaging with and reciting Surah Al-Balad brings immense emotional comfort and spiritual clarity to a practicing Muslim. In moments of personal distress, anxiety, or financial strain, reflecting on this chapter reminds us that our difficulties are a natural part of the earthly test. Recognizing that life is designed with built-in trials helps alleviate the despair that often accompanies unexpected hardships. To deeply connect with the rhythm and precise pronunciation of these verses, you can listen to beautiful audio recitations on Quran.com, which can help bring peace to a restless heart.

Furthermore, learning Surah Al-Balad serves as a powerful moral compass that humbles the soul. It keeps us grounded during times of prosperity by reminding us that our wealth and health are temporary provisions from Allah. Reciting this Surah fosters a spirit of gratitude and builds a strong empathetic drive within us, pushing us to look beyond our own comfort zones and actively seek out ways to help those who are less fortunate in our immediate communities.

4. How to Apply Surah Al-Balad to Your Daily Life

To truly live the teachings of Surah Al-Balad, we must actively choose to walk the "steep path" of righteousness through intentional daily actions. Start by cultivating a mindset of resilience; when you encounter setbacks at work, school, or in your personal life, view them as spiritual exercises meant to strengthen your character and trust in Allah. Avoid complaining, and instead, meet your daily struggles with patience (Sabr) and prayer.

Another practical way to implement Surah Al-Balad is through consistent, hands-on charity. Look for ways to alleviate the suffering of others in your neighborhood or local community. You can volunteer at a local food bank, donate regularly to orphanages, or help someone clear a financial debt. Additionally, try practicing conscious speech by using the gifts of your tongue and lips—which Allah mentions explicitly in this Surah—to speak words of kindness, encourage patience among your peers, and spread positivity rather than gossip or boastful remarks.

5. Explore More Islamic Tools and Knowledge Hubs

Now that you have taken the time to read and understand Surah Al-Balad, we encourage you to continue your spiritual journey. Here at Masjid4All, we provide a variety of helpful, free community platforms to support your lifestyle:

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