Surah 90
The City
Al-Balad 🏙️
This chapter explains that human life is filled with struggle, showing that the true way to spiritual success is choosing the uphill path: freeing slaves, feeding the hungry, and helping orphans. The title comes from the opening verse, where God swears an oath by this city of Mecca.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
1I swear by this city —
2And you [Prophet] are an inhabitant of this city —
3[I swear] by parent and offspring,
4That We have created man for toil and trial.
5Does he think that no one will have power over him?
6“I have squandered great wealth,” he says.
7Does he think no one observes him?
8Did We not give him eyes,
9A tongue, lips,
10And point out to him the two clear ways [of good and evil]?
11Yet he has not attempted the steep path.
12What will explain to you what the steep path is?
13It is to free a slave,
14To feed at a time of hunger
15An orphaned relative
16Or a poor person in distress,
17And to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion.
18Those who do this will be on the right-hand side,
19But those who disbelieve in Our revelations will be on the left-hand side,
20And the Fire will close in on them.