Surah 90
البلد
Al-Balad
The City
Surah Context
Which was revealed in Makkah Swearing by the Sanctity of Makkah and Other Things that Man was created in Hardship Here Allah has sworn by Makkah, the Mother of the Towns, addressing its resident (during the non-sacred months,) free in this.
Classical references: Ibn Kathir (Abridged).
Source: Ibn Kathir (Abridged) (90:1).
Last reviewed: 2026-04-10.
This is a short orientation note and does not replace full tafsir.
I swear by this city––
and you [Prophet] are an inhabitant of this city––
[I swear] by parent and offspring,
that We have created man for toil and trial.
Does he think that no one will have power over him?
‘I have squandered great wealth,’ he says.
Does he think no one observes him?
Did We not give him eyes,
a tongue, lips,
and point out to him the two clear ways [of good and evil]?
Yet he has not attempted the steep path.
What will explain to you what the steep path is?
It is to free a slave,
to feed at a time of hunger
an orphaned relative
or a poor person in distress,
and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion.
Those who do this will be on the right-hand side,
but those who disbelieve in Our revelations will be on the left-hand side,
and the Fire will close in on them.