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Chapter 90

The Cityal-Balad ( البلد )

20 verses • revealed at Meccan

»The surah that opens with the emphatic oath of the Divine One swearing by The City, that mankind us under the absolute power and watchfulness of God. It takes its name after the “city” or “town” (balad) mentioned in verse 1. The essential point of this surah is that man is created to work and be judged. He should therefore seek to do good deeds rather than indulge in arrogance and wastefulness.«

The surah is also known as (This) Countryside, The Earth, The Land, The Town

بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ

Ali Unal: IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE ALL-MERCIFUL, THE ALL-COMPASSIONATE

1
لا أُقسِمُ بِهٰذَا البَلَدِ

Ali Unal

This sūrah, which was revealed in Makkah, has 20 verses. It derives its name from the word al-balad (the city) in the first verse. Most interpreters hold that the city the verse is referring to is Makkah. Reminding us of God’s favors upon humankind and of His Power, the sūrah invites people to help one another and prepare for the next life.
I swear by this (sacred) city (Makkah),