Surah Al Balad in Arabic with Translation and Transliteration

Table of Contents

Surah Al-Balad is the 90th chapter of the Quran, and it holds significant importance in Islamic literature. This Surah is relatively short but carries a profound message that addresses various aspects of human behavior, ethics, and societal responsibilities. In this blog post, we will explore Surah Al-Balad, delving into its overview, content, and the virtues associated with its recitation.

Surah Al-Balad is a Meccan Surah, meaning it was revealed in the early years of Prophet Muhammad's mission when he was still in Mecca. It consists of 20 verses and takes its name from the word "Balad," which translates to "city" or "land" in English. The Surah is characterized by its concise yet impactful style, which is typical of many Meccan Surahs.

Content of Surah Al-Balad

Now, let's dive into the content of Surah Al-Balad and dissect its verses to gain a deeper understanding of its message.

1. Oath by the City: The Surah begins with an oath, a literary device frequently used in the Quran to capture the listener's attention. In this case, Allah swears by the city of Mecca, emphasizing its significance as a place of divine guidance and the home of the Prophet Muhammad.
2. Creation of Man: The Surah then moves on to discuss the creation of man. It highlights the profound nature of human creation, emphasizing that Allah created man in the best form.
3. Guidance and Misguidance: Surah Al-Balad delves into the theme of guidance and misguidance. It states that Allah has shown mankind the path to both righteousness and wickedness. It is up to individuals to choose their way.
4. Obstacles on the Path of Righteousness: The Surah points out that the path of righteousness is not easy, and there will be obstacles and challenges along the way. It reminds believers to remain patient and steadfast in the face of adversity.
5. Acts of Virtue: The Surah encourages acts of virtue and highlights the importance of feeding the needy, particularly during times of famine and hardship.
6. Belief and Righteous Deeds: Surah Al-Balad underscores the importance of both faith (Iman) and righteous deeds (Amal Salih) as the keys to success in this life and the hereafter.
7. The Reward of Believers: The Surah assures believers that their perseverance in faith and good deeds will lead to a reward in paradise, where they will enjoy a life of ease and comfort.
8. The Punishment of the Disbelievers: Conversely, the Surah warns those who reject faith and engage in wrongdoing that they will face a severe punishment.
9. End of Life and Accountability: Surah Al-Balad reminds us of the eventual end of our earthly lives and the accountability we will face for our deeds on the Day of Judgment.

Virtues of Reciting Surah Al-Balad

Now that we have a clear understanding of the content of Surah Al-Balad, let's explore the virtues associated with reciting this Surah:

1. Protection from Poverty: It is believed that reciting Surah Al-Balad can protect one from poverty and financial difficulties. The Surah's emphasis on helping the needy may contribute to this virtue.
2. Increase in Righteous Deeds: Reciting Surah Al-Balad regularly can inspire individuals to engage in acts of charity and kindness, as the Surah emphasizes these virtues.
3. Spiritual Upliftment: Reading Surah Al-Balad can provide spiritual solace and strengthen one's faith. It reminds believers of the importance of faith and good deeds.
4. Protection from Misguidance: Surah Al-Balad serves as a reminder of the consequences of misguidance, motivating individuals to stay on the path of righteousness.
5. Connection to the Prophet's Message: Since the Surah mentions the city of Mecca and its association with the Prophet Muhammad, reciting it can create a stronger connection to the Prophet's mission and teachings.
6. Preparation for the Hereafter: Surah Al-Balad reminds believers of the accountability they will face in the hereafter, encouraging them to lead a life of piety and righteousness.

Surah Al-Balad is a powerful chapter of the Quran that addresses various aspects of human behavior, faith, and societal responsibilities. Its verses encourage believers to lead a life of virtue, emphasizing the importance of faith, good deeds, and helping those in need. The Surah also serves as a reminder of the consequences of misguidance and the accountability in the hereafter.

Reciting Surah Al-Balad carries several virtues, including protection from poverty, spiritual upliftment, and a stronger connection to the Prophet's message. By reflecting on the message of this Surah and incorporating its teachings into our lives, we can strive for a life of righteousness and prepare for the hereafter.

If you want to listen to the recitation of Surah Al Balad, please watch the video below:

If you want to read Surah Al Balad, please read below:

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

 

Yusuf Ali:
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful

Abul Ala Maududi:
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate

Muhsin Khan:
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful

Pickthall:
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Dr. Ghali:
In The Name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful

Abdul Haleem:
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy!

Muhammad Junagarhi:
شروع کرتا ہوں اللہ تعالیٰ کے نام سے جو بڑا مہربان نہایت رحم واﻻ ہے

Suhel Farooq Khan:
अल्लाह के नाम से जो रहमान व रहीम है।

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Dengan nama Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani.

لَآ أُقۡسِمُ بِهَٰذَا ٱلۡبَلَدِ

1.     Laaa uqsimu bihaazal balad

I swear by this city, Makkah –

 

Yusuf Ali:
I do call to witness this City;-

Abul Ala Maududi:
Nay! I swear by this city

Muhsin Khan:
I swear by this city (Makkah);

Pickthall:
Nay, I swear by this city –

Dr. Ghali:
No! I swear by this country, – (Or: city)

Abdul Haleem:
I swear by this city––

Muhammad Junagarhi:
میں اس شہر کی قسم کھاتا ہوں

Suhel Farooq Khan:
मुझे इस शहर (मक्का) की कसम

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Aku bersumpah dengan negeri (Makkah) ini;

وَأَنتَ حِلُّۢ بِهَٰذَا ٱلۡبَلَدِ

2.     Wa anta hillum bihaazal balad
And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city –

 

Yusuf Ali:
And thou art a freeman of this City;-

Abul Ala Maududi:
– this city wherein you have been rendered violable–

Muhsin Khan:
And you are free (from sin, to punish the enemies of Islam on the Day of the conquest) in this city (Makkah).

Pickthall:
And thou art an indweller of this city –

Dr. Ghali:
And you (i.e., the Prophet) are an inhabitant of this country.

Abdul Haleem:
and you [Prophet] are an inhabitant of this city––

Muhammad Junagarhi:
اور آپ اس شہر میں مقیم ہیں

Suhel Farooq Khan:
और तुम इसी शहर में तो रहते हो

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Sedang engkau (wahai Muhammad) tinggal di negeri ini (sentiasa ditindas),

وَوَالِدٖ وَمَا وَلَدَ

3.     Wa waalidinw wa maa walad
And [by] the father and that which was born [of him],

 

Yusuf Ali:
And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;-

Abul Ala Maududi:
and I swear by the parent and his offspring:

Muhsin Khan:
And by the begetter (i.e. Adam) and that which he begot (i.e. his progeny);

Pickthall:
And the begetter and that which he begat,

Dr. Ghali:
And (I swear) (by) the begetter and what he begot.

Abdul Haleem:
[I swear] by parent and offspring,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
اور (قسم ہے) انسانی باپ اور اوﻻد کی

Suhel Farooq Khan:
और (तुम्हारे) बाप (आदम) और उसकी औलाद की क़सम

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Demi manusia yang melahirkan zuriat, dan zuriat yang dilahirkannya;

لَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ فِي كَبَدٍ

4.     Laqad khalaqnal insaana fee kabad
We have certainly created man into hardship.

 

Yusuf Ali:
Verily We have created man into toil and struggle.

Abul Ala Maududi:
Verily We have created man into toil and hardship.

Muhsin Khan:
Verily, We have created man in toil.

Pickthall:
We verily have created man in an atmosphere:

Dr. Ghali:
Indeed We already created man in suffering.

Abdul Haleem:
that We have created man for toil and trial.

Muhammad Junagarhi:
یقیناً ہم نے انسان کو (بڑی) مشقت میں پیدا کیا ہے

Suhel Farooq Khan:
हमने इन्सान को मशक्क़त में (रहने वाला) पैदा किया है

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Sesungguhnya Kami telah jadikan manusia sentiasa dalam keadaan menghadapi kesulitan dan kesukaran (jasmani dan rohaninya);

أَيَحۡسَبُ أَن لَّن يَقۡدِرَ عَلَيۡهِ أَحَدٞ

5.     Ayahsabu al-lai yaqdira ‘alaihi ahad

Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?

 

Yusuf Ali:
Thinketh he, that none hath power over him?

Abul Ala Maududi:
Does he think that no one can overpower him?

Muhsin Khan:
Thinks he that none can overcome him?

Pickthall:
Thinketh he that none hath power over him?

Dr. Ghali:
Does he reckon that no one can ever determine over him?

Abdul Haleem:
Does he think that no one will have power over him?

Muhammad Junagarhi:
کیا یہ گمان کرتا ہے کہ یہ کسی کے بس میں ہی نہیں؟

Suhel Farooq Khan:
क्या वह ये समझता है कि उस पर कोई काबू न पा सकेगा

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Patutkah manusia yang demikian keadaannya (terpedaya dengan kekuasaan yang ada padanya dan) menyangka bahawa tidak ada sesiapapun yang dapat mengatasi kekuasaannya (dan menyeksakannya)?

يَقُولُ أَهۡلَكۡتُ مَالٗا لُّبَدًا

6.     Yaqoolu ahlaktu maalal lubadaa

He says, “I have spent wealth in abundance.”

 

Yusuf Ali:
He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance!

Abul Ala Maududi:
He says: “I have squandered enormous wealth.”

Muhsin Khan:
He says (boastfully): “I have wasted wealth in abundance!”

Pickthall:
And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth:

Dr. Ghali:
He says, “I have consumed stacked wealth.”

Abdul Haleem:
‘I have squandered great wealth,’ he says.

Muhammad Junagarhi:
کہتا (پھرتا) ہے کہ میں نے تو بہت کچھ مال خرچ کر ڈاﻻ

Suhel Farooq Khan:
वह कहता है कि मैने अलग़ारों माल उड़ा दिया

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Manusia yang demikian keadaannya (tidaklah patut ia bermegah-megah dengan kekayaannya dan) berkata: “Aku telah habiskan harta benda yang banyak (dalam usaha menegakkan nama dan bangsa).

أَيَحۡسَبُ أَن لَّمۡ يَرَهُۥٓ أَحَدٌ

7.     Ayahsabu al lam yarahooo ahad
Does he think that no one has seen him?

 

Yusuf Ali:
Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?

Abul Ala Maududi:
Does he believe that none has seen him?

Muhsin Khan:
Thinks he that none sees him?

Pickthall:
Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?

Dr. Ghali:
Does he reckon that none has seen him?

Abdul Haleem:
Does he think no one observes him?

Muhammad Junagarhi:
کیا (یوں) سمجھتا ہے کہ کسی نے اسے دیکھا (ہی) نہیں؟

Suhel Farooq Khan:
क्या वह ये ख्याल रखता है कि उसको किसी ने देखा ही नहीं

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Adakah ia menyangka bahawa tidak ada sesiapapun yang melihatnya (dan mengetahui tujuannya menghabiskan harta bendanya itu?

أَلَمۡ نَجۡعَل لَّهُۥ عَيۡنَيۡنِ

8.     Alam naj’al lahoo ‘aynayn

Have We not made for him two eyes?

 

Yusuf Ali:
Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?-

Abul Ala Maududi:
Did We not grant him two eyes,

Muhsin Khan:
Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?

Pickthall:
Did We not assign unto him two eyes

Dr. Ghali:
Have We not made for him two eyes,

Abdul Haleem:
Did We not give him eyes,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
کیا ہم نے اس کی دو آنکھیں نہیں بنائیں

Suhel Farooq Khan:
क्या हमने उसे दोनों ऑंखें और ज़बान

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
(Mengapa manusia terpedaya dan bermegah-megah?) Tidakkah Kami telah menjadikan baginya: dua mata (untuk ia memerhatikan kekuasaan dan kekayaan Kami?) –

وَلِسَانٗا وَشَفَتَيۡنِ

9.     Wa lisaananw wa shafatayn
And a tongue and two lips?

 

Yusuf Ali:
And a tongue, and a pair of lips?-

Abul Ala Maududi:
and a tongue and two lips?

Muhsin Khan:
And a tongue and a pair of lips?

Pickthall:
And a tongue and two lips,

Dr. Ghali:
And a tongue, and two lips,

Abdul Haleem:
a tongue, lips,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
اور زبان اور ہونٹ (نہیں بنائے)

Suhel Farooq Khan:
और दोनों लब नहीं दिए (ज़रूर दिए)

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Dan lidah serta dua bibir (untuk ia menyempurnakan sebahagian besar dari hajat-hajatnya)?

وَهَدَيۡنَٰهُ ٱلنَّجۡدَيۡنِ

10.  Wa hadaynaahun najdayn
And have shown him the two ways?

 

Yusuf Ali:
And shown him the two highways?

Abul Ala Maududi:
And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)?

Muhsin Khan:
And shown him the two ways (good and evil)?

Pickthall:
And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways?

Dr. Ghali:
And guided him on the two highways (of good and evil)?

Abdul Haleem:
and point out to him the two clear ways [of good and evil]?

Muhammad Junagarhi:
ہم نے دکھا دیئے اس کو دونوں راستے

Suhel Farooq Khan:
और उसको (अच्छी बुरी) दोनों राहें भी दिखा दीं

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Dan Kami telah menunjukkan kepadanya dua jalan, (jalan kebaikan untuk dijalaninya, dan jalan kejahatan untuk dijauhi)?

فَلَا ٱقۡتَحَمَ ٱلۡعَقَبَةَ

11.  Falaq tahamal-‘aqabah
But he has not broken through the difficult pass.

 

Yusuf Ali:
But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep.

Abul Ala Maududi:
But he did not venture to scale the difficult steep.

Muhsin Khan:
But he has made no effort to pass on the path that is steep.

Pickthall:
But he hath not attempted the Ascent –

Dr. Ghali:
Yet he has not rushed along the uneven (Or: steep) track.

Abdul Haleem:
Yet he has not attempted the steep path.

Muhammad Junagarhi:
سو اس سے نہ ہو سکا کہ گھاٹی میں داخل ہوتا

Suhel Farooq Khan:
फिर वह घाटी पर से होकर (क्यों) नहीं गुज़रा

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Dalam pada itu manusia tidak (memilih jalan kebaikan) merempuh masuk mengerjakan amal-amal yang tinggi darjatnya di sisi Tuhan;

وَمَآ أَدۡرَىٰكَ مَا ٱلۡعَقَبَةُ

12.  Wa maaa adraaka mal’aqabah
And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass?

 

Yusuf Ali:
And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?-

Abul Ala Maududi:
And what do you know what that difficult steep is?

Muhsin Khan:
And what will make you know the path that is steep?

Pickthall:
Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! –

Dr. Ghali:
And what makes you realize what the uneven track is?

Abdul Haleem:
What will explain to you what the steep path is?

Muhammad Junagarhi:
اور کیا سمجھا کہ گھاٹی ہے کیا؟

Suhel Farooq Khan:
और तुमको क्या मालूम कि घाटी क्या है

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Dan apa jalannya engkau dapat mengetahui: apa dia amal-amal yang tinggi darjatnya di sisi Tuhan itu?

فَكُّ رَقَبَةٍ

13.  Fakku raqabah
It is the freeing of a slave

 

Yusuf Ali:
(It is:) freeing the bondman;

Abul Ala Maududi:
It is freeing someone’s neck from slavery;

Muhsin Khan:
(It is) Freeing a neck (slave, etc.)

Pickthall:
(It is) to free a slave,

Dr. Ghali:
It is the freeing of a slave, (Literally: the untying of a neck)

Abdul Haleem:
It is to free a slave,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
کسی گردن (غلام لونڈی) کو آزاد کرنا

Suhel Farooq Khan:
किसी (की) गर्दन का (गुलामी या कर्ज से) छुड़ाना

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
(Di antara amal-amal itu – bagi orang yang mampu) ialah: memerdekakan hamba abdi;

أَوۡ إِطۡعَٰمٞ فِي يَوۡمٖ ذِي مَسۡغَبَةٖ

14.  Aw it’aamun fee yawmin zee masghabah
Or feeding on a day of severe hunger

 

Yusuf Ali:
Or the giving of food in a day of privation

Abul Ala Maududi:
or giving food on a day of hunger

Muhsin Khan:
Or giving food in a day of hunger (famine),

Pickthall:
And to feed in the day of hunger.

Dr. Ghali:
Or feeding upon a day of famine.

Abdul Haleem:
to feed at a time of hunger

Muhammad Junagarhi:
یا بھوک والے دن کھانا کھلانا

Suhel Farooq Khan:
या भूख के दिन रिश्तेदार यतीम या ख़ाकसार

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Atau memberi makan pada hari kelaparan –

يَتِيمٗا ذَا مَقۡرَبَةٍ

15.  Yateeman zaa maqrabah
An orphan of near relationship

 

Yusuf Ali:
To the orphan with claims of relationship,

Abul Ala Maududi:
to an orphan near of kin;

Muhsin Khan:
To an orphan near of kin.

Pickthall:
An orphan near of kin,

Dr. Ghali:
An orphan of (Literally: owning) near relationship,

Abdul Haleem:
an orphaned relative

Muhammad Junagarhi:
کسی رشتہ دار یتیم کو

Suhel Farooq Khan:
मोहताज को

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Kepada anak yatim dari kaum kerabat,

أَوۡ مِسۡكِينٗا ذَا مَتۡرَبَةٖ

16.  Aw miskeenan zaa matrabah
Or a needy person in misery

 

Yusuf Ali:
Or to the indigent (down) in the dust.

Abul Ala Maududi:
or to a destitute lying in dust;

Muhsin Khan:
Or to a Miskin (poor) afflicted with misery.

Pickthall:
Or some poor wretch in misery,

Dr. Ghali:
Or an indigent man in starvation; (Literally: in dusty circumstances)

Abdul Haleem:
or a poor person in distress,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
یا خاکسار مسکین کو

Suhel Farooq Khan:
खाना खिलाना

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Atau kepada orang miskin yang terlantar di atas tanah.

ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلۡمَرۡحَمَةِ

17.  Summa kaana minal lazeena aamanoo wa tawaasaw bissabri wa tawaasaw bilmarhamah

And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion.

 

Yusuf Ali:
Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.

Abul Ala Maududi:
and, then besides this, he be one of those who believed, and enjoined upon one another steadfastness and enjoined upon one another compassion.

Muhsin Khan:
Then he became one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion.

Pickthall:
And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity.

Dr. Ghali:
Thereafter he is one of the ones who believed, and enjoined one another to have patience, and enjoined one another to do merciful deeds.

Abdul Haleem:
and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion.

Muhammad Junagarhi:
پھر ان لوگوں میں سے ہو جاتا جو ایمان ﻻتے اور ایک دوسرے کو صبر کی اور رحم کرنے کی وصیت کرتے ہیں

Suhel Farooq Khan:
फिर तो उन लोगों में (शामिल) हो जाता जो ईमान लाए और सब्र की नसीहत और तरस खाने की वसीयत करते रहे

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Selain dari (tidak mengerjakan amal-amal) itu, ia (tidak pula) menjadi dari orang-orang yang beriman dan berpesan-pesan dengan sabar serta berpesan-pesan dengan kasih sayang.

أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ أَصۡحَٰبُ ٱلۡمَيۡمَنَةِ

18.  Ulaaa’ika As-haabul maimanah

Those are the companions of the right.

 

Yusuf Ali:
Such are the Companions of the Right Hand.

Abul Ala Maududi:
These are the People of the Right Hand.

Muhsin Khan:
They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise),

Pickthall:
Their place will be on the right hand.

Dr. Ghali:
Those are the companions of the position of Rightness.

Abdul Haleem:
Those who do this will be on the right-hand side,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
یہی لوگ ہیں دائیں بازو والے (خوش بختی والے)

Suhel Farooq Khan:
यही लोग ख़ुश नसीब हैं

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
(Ketahuilah! Bahawa orang-orang yang beriman serta berusaha mengerjakan amal-amal yang tinggi darjatnya di sisi Tuhan), merekalah golongan pihak kanan (yang akan beroleh Syurga).

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا هُمۡ أَصۡحَٰبُ ٱلۡمَشۡـَٔمَةِ

19.  Wallazeena kafaroo bi aayaatinaa hum as-haabul Mash’amah

But they who disbelieved in Our signs – those are the companions of the left.

 

Yusuf Ali:
But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand.

Abul Ala Maududi:
As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand.

Muhsin Khan:
But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they are those on the Left Hand (the dwellers of Hell).

Pickthall:
But those who disbelieve Our revelations, their place will be on the left hand.

Dr. Ghali:
And the ones who disbelieve in Our signs, they are the companions of the position of sinister (befalling); (Or: the Hand)

Abdul Haleem:
but those who disbelieve in Our revelations will be on the left-hand side,

Muhammad Junagarhi:
اور جن لوگوں نے ہماری آیتوں کے ساتھ کفر کیا یہ کم بختی والے ہیں

Suhel Farooq Khan:
और जिन लोगों ने हमारी आयतों से इन्कार किया है यही लोग बदबख्त हैं

Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih:
Dan (sebaliknya) orang-orang yang kufur ingkar akan ayat-ayat keterangan Kami, merekalah golongan pihak kiri. –

عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَارٞ مُّؤۡصَدَةُۢ

20.  Alaihim naarum mu’sadah

Over them will be fire closed in.