Surah 90 (Al-Balad) (Y6)

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.

Summary

Today’s selection contains the entirety of Surah 90, Al-Balad or the City. This surah contains an admonition to the disbelievers of the city of Makkah. It declares that God has given you one tongue and two lips to control it and then speaks of the qualities of a righteous person.

Tafseer for this selection examines the two “highways” mentioned in verse 10.

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Verses

Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.

I swear by this city (of Makkah where even to harm anyone is prohibited,[1] where to assassinate) you (O Muhammad) have been made lawful in this city,[2] And I swear by your father (Adam) and the children he begot (mankind),[3] certainly We have created man to be in stress.[4]

Does he think that none has power over him?[5] He may boast: “I have squandered wealth in abundance!”[6] Does he think that no one observes him?[7] Have We not given him two eyes to observe?[8] One tongue and two lips to control it?[9] Then shown him the two high ways (good leading towards paradise and evil leading towards hell)?[10]

09_pgh_duq_down2Yet he does not attempt to tackle the Aqabah (steep path)![11] And what will explain to you what the Aqabah is?[12] It is the freeing of a neck (slave) from bondage;[13] or the giving of food in a day of famine[14] to an orphan relative,[15] or to a needy in distress;[16] besides this, he should be of those who believe, enjoin fortitude, encourage kindness and compassion.[17]

Such are the people of the right hand (going towards paradise).[18] But those who disbelieve Our revelations, they are the people of the left hand (going towards hell),[19] having fire all around them.[20] 90:[1-20]

Ameen.

Tafseer

On the two highways mentioned verse 10:

The two highways of life are: (1) the steep and difficult path of virtue, which is further described in the verses following, and (2) the easy path of vice and the rejection of Allah, referred to in verses 19-20. Allahs has given us not only the faculties implied in the eys, the tongue and the lips, but also given us the judgment by which we can choose our way; and He has sent us teachers and guides, with Revelation, to show us the right and difficult way.

This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.

Thank you and be well.