SURAH AL-BALAD Chapter-90- Juzz - 30

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of all the Surahs of Holy Quran. An effort to make each of these Surahs understandable in an easy way. Today's effort is SURAH AL-BALAD Chapter. 90, hope going through it will be a learning experience for each one of you. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen).

English Translation:

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

1: I swear by this city, Makkah, 2. And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city, 3. And [by] the father and that which was born [of him], 4. We have certainly created man into hardship. 5. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? 6. He says, “I have spent wealth in abundance.”7. Does he think that no one has seen him? 8. Have We not made for him two eyes? 9.And a tongue and two lips? 10. And have shown him the two ways? 11. But he has not broken through the difficult pass.12. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? 13.It is the freeing of a slave 14. Or feeding on a day of severe hunger 15. An orphan of near relationship 16. Or a needy person in misery 17. And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 18. Those are the companions of the right. 19. But they who disbelieved in Our signs – those are the companions of the left. 20. Over them will be fire closed in.

Introduction:

Surah Balad (the city), revealed in Mecca, is the 90th surah of the Quran in Juzz’ 30, with 20 verses (ayats) with 342 letters, 82 words with 70unique words without repetition. It was revealed approximately between 617 – 619 AD. It is a brief but powerful chapter with lessons ranging from guidance on dealing with difficulty and adversity to reminders about the importance of faith and patience. It gets its name from the first verse, whereupon God swears to the honored city of Mecca, as it is the residing place of the prophet of mercy (S). In the first part of the Surah, after mentioning some meaningful oaths, this fact is pointed out that Man's life, in this world, is always full of toil and struggle which prepares him to be able to face troubles and difficulties and therefore, he should not expect absolute tranquility and comfort in the present world. Surah Balad narrates the story of all mankind in this world and the variables in man’s equations in life; how it mentions the divine blessings showered upon him including his ability of distinguishing evil from good; his choices when put at a crossroad, to go uphill or downhill, and doing such acts of virtue like helping the needy and feeding the hungry and the orphans.

Background of Surah Balad:

This Surah was revealed in the period when the disbelievers of Makkah started to oppose the Prophet (pbuh) committing tyranny and excesses against him. An admonition to the disbelievers. Allah has given you two eyes, one tongue and two lips to control your tongue. The subject matter and style of Qur'anic chapter al Balad resemble those of the earliest Surahs revealed at Mecca, but it contains a pointer which indicates that it was sent down in the period when the disbelievers of Makkah had resolved to oppose Muhammad, and made it lawful for themselves to commit tyranny and excess.

Man Theme of the Surah Al Balad:

One of the main themes addressed in this surah is patience and perseverance. Allah encourages believers not to feel overwhelmed by their difficulties. Instead remain patient and trust that Allah will come to their aid if they are sincere in their faith.

Ø  The Surah Al Balad reminds us that if we trust Allah. He will provide us with what we need—even if it may not come when we expect it. ALLAH also warns us against worshipping false gods or idols while praising those who remain obedient to Allah despite being surrounded by temptation.

Ø  These verses of Surah Balad remind us not to get caught up in worldly concerns. Instead, focus on strengthening our relationship with Allah through prayer and worship, helping others, especially orphans and the poor.

Ø  Characteristics of the true believers

Ø  Rewards for the true believers in the next life

Ø  Punishments for those who are not true believers

Reasons for Revelation:

Highlight Human Struggle: The Surah was revealed to highlight the inherent struggles and hardships of human life. It acknowledges that every individual undergoes various tests and challenges, emphasizing the transient and testing nature of life.

Moral Guidance: Surah Al-Balad provides moral guidance to the believers, urging them to engage in righteous deeds. It encourages freeing slaves, feeding the needy during times of hunger, supporting orphans, and aiding those in misery, emphasizing the importance of compassion and charitable acts.

Call to Faith and Patience: The Surah calls believers to have faith, practice patience, and show compassion towards others. It encourages Muslims to embody these virtues and advise one another to do the same, fostering a supportive and empathetic community.

Warning to Disbelievers: It concludes with a stern warning to those who disbelieve and reject the signs of Allah, stating that they will face consequences in the Hereafter for their disbelief and moral failures.

The lesson of the Surah Balad:

In this surah, god says that the human life in this world is intermingled with pains and hardships. It also enumerates some of God's blessings to human beings & then refers to human ingratitude towards these blessings

Rewards and benefits of reciting Surah Balad:

·         The holy Prophet (S) says in a narration regarding surah Balad:

“Allah will make him who studies this Surah safe from His wrath on the Day of Judgement.”

·         A tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) says: “The one who recites Surah Balad in his obligatory prayers will be known as a good-doer in this world, and in the Next World he will be included among those of rank and privilege with Allah, and he will be of the friends and companions of the prophets, martyrs, and the pious.”

·         Other benefits have also been mentioned for reciting surah Balad such as a remedy for illnesses of the respiratory system and making newborns immune from certain sicknesses.

·         The benefits of reciting Surah Al-Balad extend to the Afterlife. Consistent reciters of this Surah will be granted a special position before Allah. This elevated status signifies closeness to Allah in the Hereafter, allowing the individual to be counted among the companions of prophets, martyrs, and righteous people

·         Reputation of Righteousness: Reciting Surah Al-Balad in obligatory prayers can earn you a reputation for righteousness in this world.

·         Special Position in the Afterlife: The benefits of reciting Surah Al-Balad extend to the Afterlife. Consistent reciters of this Surah will be granted a special position before Allah. This elevated status signifies closeness to Allah in the Hereafter, allowing the individual to be counted among the companions of prophets, martyrs, and righteous people.

·         Personal Growth and Development: Surah Al-Balad emphasizes gratitude for Allah’s blessings and the significance of our actions. Regular recitation of this Surah reminds us of our responsibilities towards fellow human beings and the importance of utilizing our resources and abilities for societal betterment.

·         Source of Guidance and Inspiration: The Surah serves as a guide and inspiration, teaching perseverance through challenges and steadfastness in faith. It highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and underscores the importance of cultivating good deeds for long-term benefit.

·         Promotes Compassion and Purpose: Through the guidance provided by Surah Al-Balad, individuals are encouraged to lead lives marked by gratitude, perseverance, and devotion to Allah. The Surah promotes personal growth, compassion, and a greater sense of life purpose, helping individuals contribute positively to their communities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Surah Balad is a powerful chapter from the Qur’an that contains several important lessons for believers. It reminds us to remain patient despite adversity. We must put our trust firmly in Allah. It warns against worshipping false gods; and reminds us that death as a certainty for all humans. May Allah guide us to understand these critical messages within this beautiful surah! Ameen!

 

Researched & Compiled by:

OVAIS ASAD KHAN