Al-Balad (Surah 90)
Al-Balad (The City)
Makki SurahIntroduction
The underlying theme of this Meccan sûrah is that human beings are equipped with the necessary faculties to choose between right and wrong. The good-doers are promised Paradise and the evildoers are promised Hell. This theme is emphasized in the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Ungrateful Disbelievers
1. I do swear by this city (of Mecca)— 2. even though you (O Prophet) are subject to abuse in this city— 3. and by every parent and (their) child! 4. Indeed, We have created humankind in (constant) struggle. 5. Do they think that no one has power over them, 6. boasting, “I have wasted enormous wealth!”? 7. Do they think that no one sees them? 8. Have We not given them two eyes, 9. a tongue, and two lips; 10. and shown them the two ways (of right and wrong)?
Surah 90 - Al-Balad (The City) - Verses 1-10
The Challenging Path of Good
11. If only they had attempted the challenging path (of goodness instead)! 12. And what will make you realize what (attempting) the challenging path is? 13. It is to free a slave; 14. or to give food in times of famine 15. to an orphaned relative 16. or to a poor person in distress 17. and—above all—to be one of those who have faith and urge each other to perseverance and urge each other to compassion. 18. These are the people of the right. 19. As for those who deny Our signs, they are the people of the left. 20. The Fire will be sealed over them.