Al-Balad (ٱلْبَلَد)

Surah Al-Balad is situated in the 30 and last Juz of the Holy Quran. It is the 90th chapter and is considered to be the twin surah of Surah Al-Fajr. There are 20 verses in this surah, all contained in a single Ruku. The style and subject matter of this surah are similar to the earlier Meccan surahs, but it was revealed later in the prophethood. Scholars have said that Surah Al-Balad was revealed by Allah when the polytheists of Mecca had openly resolved to oppress, tyrannize, and excessively oppose the Prophet (ﷺ). The Muslims at the time faced a very difficult situation, and Surah Al-Balad came with a rebuking message for the disbelievers. 

It's a Meccan surah with a small number of verses and a strong message that will get through to the people more easily. Of course, the strongest indication of this being a Meccan surah is that its very name, 'The City,' refers to the city of Mecca. Right at the beginning of the Surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ swears an oath by this city due to its important status. After all, it is the city where the Ka’ba is located, the birthplace of the Prophet (ﷺ), and the resting place of many prophets before him. 

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Balad (الْبَلَد)

This surah addresses the overarching theme of the human struggle and the implications of the choices humans make every day. Its verses show us how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ has given humans ways to see the truth, judge between good and evil, and follow what is right. Now, it is upon us to strive to remain on the righteous path. Those who do so will be rewarded, while those who choose the way of evil will ultimately be doomed. Other subjects discussed in the surah are:

The Importance of Mecca  

In the first verse of the surah, Allah Azzawajal swears on the city of Mecca. This oath emphasizes the importance of the city to Allah and Islam. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, the home of the Ka'ba Tullah, and the place where Allah first revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). These ayahs make evident the historic and religious importance of this holy city.  

Next, the verses of the surah draw attention to the hardships and struggles of the Muslims and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the early days of Islam. This leads to a discussion about the reality of human struggle and the choices we face every day. Allah emphasizes that this dunya is not meant as an easy or restful place. The efforts we put in today will, Insha’Allah, bear fruit in the next life. We must also remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is watching us at all times and that we will have to account for every action performed in this life. 

Criteria For Greatness

The surah reveals the criteria for greatness – if a person wishes to achieve greatness and make their life mean something, they must adhere to these criteria. Allah reiterates that greatness is not achieved by wealth and social status but by one's ability to overcome the hardships of life with dignity, sympathy, kindness, and compassion. Often, people become too involved in this world and think that wealth and worldly achievements are a criterion for greatness. 

A person who proudly displays their wealth and reaches heights of ostentation might feel proud for some time. However, they forget that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ does not care for their wealth and their status. He is more concerned with how this wealth was achieved, the behavior of people when they accumulated wealth and achieved worldly feats, and their treatment of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ is also aware of a person's intentions and motives for spending. Thus, one should invest in acts of compassion like helping the needy, helping friends and family in their tough times, and being merciful and compassionate in every aspect of their life to achieve real greatness. 

The Challenges of Goodness

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ then explains how following the righteous path is not easy. There are details about how to follow the straight and true path: giving food during a famine, helping an orphan, helping the poor, encouraging others, and urging others to be compassionate as well. 

The People of The Left

The next verses talk about the people who do not follow the good path. They will go to the Fire without any escape or relief. While there aren't many details about what these people do, we may assume that they do not conduct themselves like the people described above. They do not help the weak, nor do they urge others to do so. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Balad (الْبَلَد)

Surah Al-Balad is an excellent example of how the Holy Quran delivers its messages concisely and with great effect. By reciting and studying it, Muslims get an understanding of how to lead a successful life. The first step is our faith. Reciting Surah Balad reminds us of the importance of retaining our iman and belief in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. The next step is understanding that we were born to struggle and face hardship, especially if we are on the right path. Everyone has to go through challenges, tests, and trials in their lifetime. We must think of this life as transient and the next life as the permanent reward or punishment. This way, the reciter of Surah Al-Balad gains patience, a sense of gratefulness, and bravery to take on any difficulty without complaint. 

This surah also gives us some moral guidance. It urges us to spend our time doing righteous actions. There are several examples of the deeds that will lead to our ultimate success. We learn that it's essential not just to help the weak ourselves but to call upon our brethren to perform charity, have faith, and practice patience as well. If Muslims follow this route, they will soon have a strong, empathic, and united community. Finally, we get a strong warning at the end of the surah. This is a stark reminder for anyone who disbelieves; plus, it also reminds believers of the consequences in the next life.