Surah Balad : Benefits and Importance of Surah Al Balad

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This chapter of the Quran is known as Surah  Balad. It is a brief but powerful chapter with lessons ranging from guidance on dealing with difficulty and adversity to reminders about the importance of faith and patience. This blog post will explore this surah’s key themes and messages.

surah balad

The Context of Surah Balad

Our prophet PBUH received the revelation of Surah Balad in Mecca before the Migration (Hijra). This was a difficult time for believers, who had to remain patient despite facing immense hardship and persecution.  this surah is an important reminder to stay strong in one’s faith and be steadfast in times of difficulty.

Themes of Surah Balad

One of the main themes addressed in this surah is patience and perseverance. Allah encourages believers not to feel overwhelmed by their difficulties. Instead remain patient and trust that Allah will come to their aid if they are sincere in their faith.

  • The Surah Al Balad reminds us that if we trust Allah. He will provide us with what we need—even if it may not come when we expect it.
    ALLAH also warns us against worshipping false gods or idols while praising those who remain obedient to Allah despite being surrounded by temptation.
  • These verses of Surah Balad remind us not to get caught up in worldly concerns. Instead, focus on strengthening our relationship with Allah through prayer and worship, helping others, especially orphans and the poor.

Summary of Tafseer taken from Marif ul Quran

It is prohibited to fight in Makkah. But it was only permissible to  Hazrat Muhammad PBUH on the day of victory of Makkah; whoever fought with him was killed. Some serious criminals were especially killed near the wall of Kaaba. Then From that day onwards, the same prohibition was established until the Day of Judgment.

AYAH 3 of Surah Al balad

By uttering the phrase مَا وَلَدَ, one is swearing an oath by Holy Prophet ‘Adam (علیہ السلام) and his countless progeny spanning from time immemorial until eternity. Walid symbolizes this lineage of generations that began with Adam himself – mankind’s original father.

Ayah 4 – 7

Scholars agree that humans are the only species of creation to suffer so much difficulty and hardship. This is due not only to their small stature and lack of physical strength but also because ALLAH gifted them with a tremendous mental capacity.

It sets them apart from other animals. Allah has made it evident in his oath by Makkah that man was born into adversity. Showing us He alone orchestrated our existence. Had we any part in creating ourselves, would hardships be something adopted? Qurtubi believes this speaks volumes about how powerful God must be for him to create such an incomparable creature as mankind, even if, at times, life’s challenges may seem overwhelming!

AYAH 8-10 of Surah Balad

Allah reveals His infinite wisdom and power through man’s endowments in the Quran. By reflecting on these gifts of vision and perception, we experience a deep appreciation for our Creator. The word najdain is dual in form, symbolizing that ALLAH presented us two paths: success or destruction – good or evil. Our eyes, the most delicately-structured organs within ourselves which receive light rays from external objects and then send nerve impulses to the brain – serve as an example of this great miracle bestowed upon humanity by its Provider, Almighty God (SWT).

The power of the human voice is a miraculous gift from nature, allowing us to communicate everything from profound expressions of faith and forgiveness to simple greetings. In merely half a minute, we can utter words with remarkable potential for changing our lives, creating peace with those around us or entering new realms entirely.

Humans have a powerful weapon with the potential to elevate and destroy: their tongues. Allah has provided us with two lips as protection, warning against unsheathing this double-edged sword without purpose or intention. With each word we speak, there is an opportunity for great reward and risk of disaster that could turn even our closest allies into enemies in moments if not handled carefully. We must exercise caution when using these gifts of speech and sight so that we may use these for good rather than harm.

Allah has entrusted us with a powerful tool: the ability to decide for ourselves what is right and wrong. Therefore, we must carefully use this gift of discernment – not drawing on our conclusions too often or without full consideration. Through ءis a blessing, Allah bestows us eyes to observe, lips to express, tongues to speak, and the ability to distinguish between good and evil.

Summarizing the AYAHs

Man’s choice between good and evil is a testament to his inbuilt power, with the Creator granting us two paths. Though often tempted by more accessible roads of darkness, it behooves each person to opt for virtue – backed up by our awareness that God has bestowed on mankind perfect wisdom and authority. Our discernment empowers us; let us choose wisely!

Men must contemplate Allah’s undeniable might, their eventual reckoning on the Day of Judgment, and life beyond death. If they accept these beliefs into their hearts, they should endeavor to bring benefit and solace to others while avoiding harm; likewise, attempt reform in themselves and those around them for a chance at redemption upon Judgement day – escaping eternal damnation for persistent refusal of Truth.

This Surah looks deeper into the implications of not performing good deeds. It creatively presents this dilemma innovatively and engagingly, propelling readers to consider their own behavior toward righteousness.

AYAH 11-12

Aqabah offers an interesting dual meaning as it symbolizes physical protection and spiritual salvation. As a ‘hill, high place or steep road’, the word refers to an elevation which can help save oneself from the pursuit of enemies – while in its metaphorical sense, obedience and devotion offer refuge from punishment on Judgment Day.

AYAH 13 of Surah Balad

By freeing a slave, one can cultivate their character and reap tremendous rewards. This devotional act is generous and embodies an invaluable opportunity for growth in life.

AYAH 14

Offering sustenance to those in need is already commendable, yet an even greater reward exists for providing nourishment to exceptional individuals; following AYAHs depicts those particular individuals.

AYAH 15-16

By providing food to an orphaned family member, we can not only fill their stomachs with nourishment but also strengthen the ties that bind us. Our responsibility as humans and members of a larger society is to fulfil the rights people often neglect among disadvantaged communities.

Hadees

AYAH 14 of Surah Balad

By gifting sustenance to an individual in need, even if they are not a direct relative or family member, you can expect the highest rewards for your kindness.

Almsgiving provides greater returns when made with someone with fewer worldly possessions; poverty creates more significant benefits for that offering assistance.

AYAH 17

To ensure the growth and prosperity of Muslims, it is crucial that they not only have faith in good deeds but also uphold significant values. This verse emphasizes the importance of believers demonstrating patience and compassion by refraining from wrongdoing and empathizing with others.

Through the practice of ‘sabr’ or self-control, Muslims can avoid deviating from the right path. Additionally, showing mercy, known as ‘marhamah’, can bring kindness that guides and benefits everyone equally.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Surah Balad is a powerful chapter from the Qur’an that contains several important lessons for believers. It reminds us to remain patient despite adversity. We must put our trust firmly in Allah. It warns against worshipping false gods;  and reminds us that death as a certainty for all humans. May Allah guide us to understand these critical messages within this beautiful surah! Ameen!

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