Surah Al-Balad (سُورَةُ البَلَدِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir

Overview

Al-Balad (سُورَةُ البَلَدِ) — "The City" is the 90th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 20 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.

Selected Verses

Verse 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ لَآ أُقْسِمُ بِهَٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ

NAY! I call to witness this land –

Verse 2

وَأَنتَ حِلٌّۢ بِهَٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ

this land in which thou art free to dwell -

Verse 3

وَوَالِدٍۢ وَمَا وَلَدَ

and [I call to witness] parent and offspring:

Verse 4

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ فِى كَبَدٍ

Verily, We have created man into [a life of] pain, toil and trial.

Verse 5

أَيَحْسَبُ أَن لَّن يَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ أَحَدٌۭ

Does he, then, think that no one has power over him?

Verse 6

يَقُولُ أَهْلَكْتُ مَالًۭا لُّبَدًا

He boasts, "I have spent wealth abundant!"

Verse 7

أَيَحْسَبُ أَن لَّمْ يَرَهُۥٓ أَحَدٌ

Does he, then, think that no one sees him?

Verse 8

أَلَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ عَيْنَيْنِ

Have We not given him two eyes,

Verse 9

وَلِسَانًۭا وَشَفَتَيْنِ

and a tongue, and a pair of lips,

Verse 10

وَهَدَيْنَٰهُ ٱلنَّجْدَيْنِ

and shown him the two highways [of good and evil]?

...and 10 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.

Key Themes

The surah of Al-Balad (The City) covers important Islamic themes including faith, guidance, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. As a Meccan (Makki) surah, it reflects the spiritual and theological context of that period of revelation.

Virtues of Reading This Surah

Regular recitation of the Quran is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." — Sahih Al-Bukhari

Reading any portion of the Quran brings immense rewards. Make a habit of reciting Surah Al-Balad as part of your daily Quran reading.

How to Recite

Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
Reflect on the meaning as you recite

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Surah Al-Balad revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.

Q: How many verses does Surah Al-Balad have? It contains 20 ayaat (verses).

Q: What does "The City" mean? The name "Al-Balad" translates to "The City" in English.