Surah Al-Balad [90] | Overview, Themes, Lessons & More

Surah Name: Al-Balad (سورة البلد)
Translation: The City
Origin of name: The name "Al-Balad" (The City) comes from the word mentioned in the first two verses, referring specifically to the city of Makkah.

Surah Number: 90
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 20

Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: During the early to middle period of the Prophet's mission in Makkah

Historical Context

Surah Al-Balad opens with a reference to Makkah, the “honored city,” and indirectly acknowledges the Prophet's own mission taking place within its boundaries. The conditions of life were becoming difficult for Muslims, who were often poor or from marginalized backgrounds. Many of them were subjected to torture, forced labor, and exclusion from social life due to their faith.

The Surah highlights that human life is naturally filled with struggle and effort—an idea that would have deeply resonated with the oppressed believers. It draws attention to the unjust confidence of the privileged class in Makkah who relied on wealth and status, and who rejected the moral and spiritual message of Islam. This context explains why the Surah stresses kindness to others, freeing of slaves, and helping the needy as examples of true righteousness.

Moreover, the Surah serves to offer encouragement and moral direction to the believers during this challenging phase, reminding them that their suffering holds meaning and that the path to spiritual success often lies in facing difficulties with patience and compassion.

Main Themes of Surah Al-Balad

• The Value and Sanctity of Place:
  The surah begins by taking an oath on the sacred city of Mecca, highlighting its importance and its connection to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This reflects the honor and significance of the place where revelation began.

• Human Struggle and Hardship:
  It reminds that human life is full of hardship and struggle. Every person is created to face challenges, and success comes through patience and perseverance. This also prepares the Prophet for the difficulties he will face in his mission.

• False Sense of Self-Sufficiency:
  People who rely only on their wealth and status are warned. Thinking that power and riches make them independent from God is a mistake that leads many away from faith.

• Moral Choices and the "Steep Path":
  The surah presents life as a test with clear choices between good and evil. The “steep path” is described as doing good deeds that require effort, such as freeing slaves, feeding orphans, and helping the poor. These actions are praised as true signs of righteousness.

• Faith and Social Responsibility:
  True belief is not just a matter of the heart, but must be expressed through action—especially by helping those in need. The surah links faith with compassion, patience, and encouraging mercy and endurance among people.

• Rewards and Consequences:
  People are divided into two groups: those on the right (ashab al-maymana), who are the righteous with good records, and those on the left (ashab al-mash’ama), who denied God’s signs and face a terrible end. This highlights the final outcomes based on one’s moral and spiritual choices.

Key Lessons from Surah Al-Balad

• Life is full of difficulty and struggle; this is part of human nature and growth.
• Relying on wealth or power alone leads to arrogance and misguidance.
• Helping others—freeing slaves, feeding the poor, and aiding orphans—is a major path to righteousness.

Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Balad

• Verse 1-2:
  "I do swear by this city ˹of Mecca˺— even though you ˹O Prophet˺ are subject to abuse in this city"
  Allah swears by the city of Mecca, highlighting its sacredness and the importance of the Prophet’s mission.

• Verse 4:
  "Indeed, We have created humankind in ˹constant˺ struggle."
  A reminder that human life is full of challenges.

• Verse 10:
  "And have We not shown them the two ways ˹of right and wrong˺?"
  Allah has given every human the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.

• Verse 11-18:
  "If only they had attempted the challenging path ˹of goodness instead˺! And what will make you realize what ˹attempting˺ the challenging path is? It is to free a slave, or to give food in times of famine to an orphaned relative or to a poor person in distress, and—above all—to be one of those who have faith and urge each other to perseverance and urge each other to compassion. These are the people of the right."
  True righteousness is described as performing difficult but noble deeds, like freeing slaves and helping the needy.