Surah Al-Balad [90],  "The City"

Chapter 90 of the Quran is called Surah Al-Balad, which translates to "The City" or "The Land." It is a Makkan chapter consisting of 20 verses. Here is a brief explanation of the verses in this chapter:

Verse 1:
"I swear by this city."

This verse begins with an oath, swearing by the city. The specific city referred to is not mentioned, but it is believed to be Makkah or another significant city from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Verse 2:
"And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city."

This verse addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), affirming his freedom and authority in the city. It highlights his role as a messenger and leader in Makkah.

Verse 3:
"And [I swear] by the father and that which was born [of him]."

This verse adds another oath, swearing by the father and his offspring. The father here is understood to refer to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who is revered as a prominent figure in Islamic history.

Verses 4-5:
"We have certainly created man into hardship. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?"

These verses highlight the inherent challenges and struggles of human existence. They emphasize the transient nature of human power and remind individuals that they are not invincible or immune to difficulties.

Verse 6:
"He says, 'I have spent wealth in abundance.'"

This verse introduces a hypothetical arrogant individual who boasts about their wealth and material possessions. It serves as a representation of those who rely solely on worldly achievements and ignore their moral and spiritual responsibilities.

Verse 7:
"Does he think that no one has seen him?"

This verse questions the perception of the arrogant individual, reminding them that their actions and intentions are not hidden from Allah. It emphasizes the concept of divine observation and accountability.

Verses 8-10:
"Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips? And have shown him the two ways?"

These verses highlight the faculties and abilities given to human beings by Allah. They mention the gift of sight, speech, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. They serve as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities associated with these faculties.

Verse 11:
"But he has not broken through the difficult pass."

This verse refers to the individual who has not overcome their ego, desires, and the challenges of self-discipline. It signifies the failure to navigate the path of righteousness and morality.

Verses 12-16:
"And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger. An orphan of near relationship. Or a needy person in misery. And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion."

These verses describe the qualities and actions that help a person break through the difficult pass. They include acts of kindness, such as freeing slaves, feeding the hungry, supporting orphans and the needy, and embodying patience and compassion. These actions are seen as virtuous and indicative of a person's righteousness and moral character.

Verse 17:
"Those are the companions of the right."

This verse refers to those who fulfill the mentioned righteous actions and possess the qualities described in the previous verses. They are recognized as the righteous companions who will be rewarded in the Hereafter.

Verse 18:
"But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left."

This verse refers to those who reject the signs of Allah and fail to engage in righteous actions. They are identified as the disbelievers and are associated with negative consequences in the Hereafter.

Verses 19-20:
"Over them will be fire closed in. And covered bridges."

These verses mention the punishment awaiting those who disbelieve and reject the signs of Allah. The imagery of fire and covered bridges signifies their state of torment and separation from goodness and mercy.

Surah Al-Balad serves as a reminder of the challenges of human existence, the transient nature of worldly power, and the importance of recognizing one's moral and spiritual responsibilities. It highlights the virtues of kindness, compassion, and righteousness, and warns against arrogance and neglecting the needs of others. The chapter emphasizes the concept of divine observation and accountability and underscores the rewards and consequences in the Hereafter based on one's actions and beliefs.

Here is some additional information about Surah Al-Balad (Chapter 90) in the Quran:

Surah Al-Balad is a Makkan chapter, revealed during the early years of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) mission in Makkah. It is named after the mention of a city or land in the first verse, although the specific city is not identified.

The chapter begins with oaths, where Allah swears by the city, emphasizing its significance and the authority of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) within it. This oath captures the attention of the listeners and prepares them to receive the message that follows.

Verses 3-5 address the challenges and struggles faced by human beings. They highlight the temporary and vulnerable nature of human existence, reminding individuals that no one is immune to hardship or invincible in the face of adversity. These verses encourage humility and a recognition of human limitations.

Verse 6 introduces a hypothetical arrogant individual who boasts about their wealth and material possessions. This person represents those who rely solely on worldly achievements and neglect their moral and spiritual responsibilities. The verse serves as a critique of the materialistic mindset and a reminder of the importance of balancing worldly pursuits with ethical conduct and compassion towards others.

Verses 7-10 emphasize divine observation and accountability. They remind individuals that their actions and intentions are not hidden from Allah. The mention of faculties such as sight, speech, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong serves as a reminder of the blessings bestowed upon human beings and the responsibility to use these faculties in accordance with righteousness.

Verses 12-16 describe various acts of kindness and moral virtues. These include freeing slaves, feeding the hungry, supporting orphans and the needy, as well as practicing patience and compassion. These actions are seen as virtuous and indicative of a person's righteousness and moral character. The chapter highlights the significance of these deeds and encourages individuals to engage in acts of charity and compassion towards others.

Verses 17-20 contrast the righteous and the disbelievers. The righteous, referred to as the "companions of the right," are those who engage in virtuous actions and possess noble qualities. They will be rewarded in the Hereafter. On the other hand, the disbelievers, referred to as the "companions of the left," are those who reject the signs of Allah and fail to engage in righteous actions. They will face negative consequences and punishment in the Hereafter.

The chapter as a whole emphasizes the importance of humility, ethical conduct, and compassion towards others. It warns against arrogance, materialism, and neglecting the needs of the less fortunate. It reminds individuals of their moral and spiritual responsibilities and underscores the concept of accountability in the sight of Allah. The chapter encourages individuals to strive for righteousness and virtuous actions, reminding them of the ultimate rewards and consequences in the Hereafter.