Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Balad is a Makkan surah. It speaks about the condition of human beings in this life, the hardships they face, the blessings Allah has given them, and the path of righteousness that leads to salvation. Allah reminds mankind that He sees all their actions and that true success comes through faith, charity, patience, and mercy.
Allah Swears by the Sacred City (Verses 1–3)
Allah says:
“Nay! I swear by this city,
and you are free in this city.
And by the begetter and that which he begot.”
(Qur’an 90:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah is swearing by Makkah, the Mother of the Cities. Allah draws attention to the greatness and sanctity of this city.
The statement:
“and you are free in this city”
means that the Prophet ﷺ was allowed to fight in Makkah for a brief period of time during the conquest, even though the city itself is sacred. The Prophet ﷺ explained that Allah made Makkah sacred from the day He created the heavens and the earth, and it will remain sacred until the Day of Judgment.
The verse:
“And by the begetter and that which he begot”
was explained by many scholars such as Mujahid and others to refer to Adam and his descendants, meaning the father of mankind and his children.
Man Was Created in Hardship (Verses 4–7)
Allah says:
“Verily, We have created man in Kabad.
Does he think that none can overcome him?
He says: ‘I have wasted wealth in abundance!’
Does he think that none sees him?”
(Qur’an 90:4–7)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the phrase:
“We created man in hardship”
means that human life is surrounded by difficulty. From birth to death a person experiences struggle and effort in his creation and livelihood.
Some of the early scholars explained that a person passes through many stages of hardship, such as:
• birth
• growth
• earning a livelihood
• the trials of life
Despite this, many people become arrogant and believe no one can overcome them.
The verse:
“He says: I have wasted wealth in abundance”
the son of Adam says he spent an abundance of wealth, as Mujahid, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, As-Suddi and others explained. But Allah reminds him that nothing escapes His sight and that every action will be accounted for.
Allah’s Blessings Upon Man (Verses 8–10)
Allah says:
“Have We not made for him two eyes,
and a tongue and two lips,
and shown him the two ways?”
(Qur’an 90:8–10)
Explanation
Allah reminds mankind of the blessings He has given them.
These include:
• two eyes to see
• a tongue to speak
• two lips to assist in speech and eating
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah also showed mankind the two paths, meaning the path of good and evil, or guidance and misguidance.
A person therefore knows right from wrong and is responsible for the choices he makes.
The Difficult Path of Righteousness (Verses 11–16)
Allah says:
“But he has not attempted to pass on the path that is steep.
And what will make you know the path that is steep.
Freeing a neck,
Or giving food in a day full of Masghabah,
To an orphan near of kin.
Or to a Miskin cleaving to dust.”
(Qur’an 90:11–16)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the “steep path” refers to the path of goodness and salvation.
Examples of this path include:
• freeing slaves
• feeding the hungry
• helping orphans
• supporting the poor and destitute
The poor person described as “clinging to dust” refers to someone in extreme poverty who has nothing and is in a state of hardship.
These actions demonstrate sincere compassion and righteousness.
The Qualities of the Believers (Verse 17)
Allah says:
“Then he became one of those who believed and recommended one another to patience, and recommended one another to compassion.”
(Qur’an 90:17)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that true righteousness requires faith along with good deeds.
The believers also advise one another to:
• remain patient during trials
• show mercy and compassion toward others
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The merciful people will be treated with mercy by the Most Merciful (Allah). Be merciful to those who are on the earth and He Who is above the heavens will be merciful to you.”
The Companions of the Right and the Left (Verses 18–20)
Allah says:
“They are those on the Right.
But those who disbelieved in Our Ayat, they are those on the Left.
Upon them Fire will Mu’sadah.”
(Qur’an 90:18–20)
Explanation
Those who believe and perform righteous deeds, those with these characteristics, are the companions of the Right Hand.
But those who reject Allah’s signs, the disbelievers, are the companions of the Left Hand.
Ibn Kathir explains that the Fire will be sealed over them, meaning they will be completely surrounded with no escape and no opening from it.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Balad (90).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Balad.