Quran Quote  : 
Al-Balad

اۤ اُقۡسِمُ بِهٰذَا الۡبَلَدِۙ‏ ﴿۱﴾

1.Indeed, I swear by this city (Makkah).

1. That is, of the holy city of Makkah which is the most ancient city established by Hazrat Ebrahim (On whom be peace). In it are found the Holy Ka'bah, Maqaame Ebrahim, etc. From ancient times Hajj has been taking place here. In it there is peace and security for every living creature. It is the place of birth of the leader of the Prophets صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم

This Tells us that due to its connection with the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم every street and market place of Makkah gained such sanctity that Allah Almighty took an oath on it. Then what about those Noble Companions of the Holy Prophet Who had lived with him like a shadow, how lofty will their dignity be?

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 1
Topic : Makkah

 وَاَنۡتَ حِلٌّ ۢ بِهٰذَا الۡبَلَدِۙ‏ ﴿۲﴾

2. As (O Beloved Prophet) you dwell (2) in this city.

2. The word HIL is derived either from HULOOL or HALAAL ie. O My Beloved! Your stay in the sacred city is a temporary one; otherwise you would not have been kept here, so that you may not be visited because of the Holy Ka'bah. Or, in future, you would be coming back here in regal splendour. Or, that after dwelling you would be returning back to Makkah, on the day of the Conquest of Makkah. It should be remembered that at that point in time an oath was taken on the sacred city of Makkah because it is the place of residence of the Holy Prophet . Now, because Madina Munawwarah is the permanent place of residence of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم it is a place of great honour. The great Sufi sages say that the heart and soul of the devotees of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم is that place in which he is residing. In it is the vision of the beloved on display where one can purchase the love of the Holy Prophet.

Thus, an oath is taken on him. It should be remembered, just as different markets are found in different places, likewise in some hearts there is a market of infidelity and transgression. in some there is a market of faith and mystical knowledge of Allah Almighty, in some is a market of the love of the Holy Prophet Here, there is an oath . about these hearts wherein there is the market of love. Also remember that just as the light of the sun can pour into millions of bottles at one time, likewise the light of the Holy Prophet too is found in many hearts at the same time. Furthermore, just as the light of the lamp shines in every corner of the house accompanied by the colour of the chimney. e likewise, wherever there is light of Allah, there is light of the Holy Prophet . Where there is no light of the Holy Prophet that place is bereft of the light of Allah Almighty. Thus, it is said: "And O beloved! You are dwelling in this city" i.e. you are manifested in these hearts. From this we learn that the Holy Prophet is the greatest Beloved of Allah Almighty. Anything that becomes connected with the Holy Prophet becomes the Beloved of Allah Almighty as well. Thus, the hearts of the Saints are beloved to Allah Almighty as an oath is taken on them.

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 2
Topic : Makkah

وَوَالِدٍ وَّمَا وَلَدَۙ‏ ﴿۳﴾

3.And by your father and his progeny.

3. Here, the word father signifies Hazrat Adam (On whom be peace) and child denotes his progeny. In this circumstance two issues emerge from it:

1. Man is the noblest in the entire creation because Allah Almighty has taken oath on him.

2. The status of the father is greater than that of the mother because Allah Almighty took an oath on the father and not on the mother. Or, by father is meant Hazrat Ebrahim (On whom be peace) and by children is meant the Holy Prophet. From this we learn that in the group of Prophets, the Beloved of Habeebullah Allah Almighty is most superior, followed by Khaleelullah (Hazrat Ebrahim)-the Friend of Allah Almighty. Or, by father is meant the and by Holy Prophet children is denoted his followers. Just as the father is the origin of the children, likewise, the is the origin of Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم the entire Ummah. Just as the father is the one who trains, teaches and looks after the children likewise the Holy Prophet too is the cherisher and instructor of his followers. Just as the son cannot become equal to the father in any state, likewise, the follower cannot become equal to the Prophet. Just as the relationship of the father does not terminate even after death, likewise the follower too after death remains a follower. Just as all the kinsmen of the father are dear to him i.e. father's mother (granny), and father's brother (uncle), likewise the Noble Companions of the Holy Prophet family members, the Saints and the scholars of Islam are a source of respect and pride for us. Just as the father generates brotherhood among his children even if they are black or white, learned or ignorant, likewise the Holy Prophet too made all the believers as brothers. The Holy Prophet has brought about a universal brotherhood of man. In this way a few issues emerge from this verse:

1. Prophets are spiritual fathers of the followers, not brothers. Therefore their wives are not the sister-in-laws of the followers, but their mothers, and as such marriage with them is totally forbidden.

2. To claim equality with them is an act of infidelity. It is essential to remain mere devotees of them, totally subservient to them.

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 3
Topic : Adam a.s.

لَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا الۡاِنۡسَانَ فِىۡ كَبَدٍؕ‏ ﴿۴﴾

4. Surely, We have created man to work hard (4).

4. In that man has been surrounded with such creational and religious problems like water is in the container i.e. He had created man without knowledge, inflicted thousands of diseases on him, earning his sustenance his responsibility, made him needy of food, clothes and home. This burden has not been placed on the angels, jinns and animals. In addition, millions of responsibilities of the world and the Hereafter have been placed on man. Also, pangs of death, fear of the grave, fear of accountability on the Day of Judgement too are placed on him. May Allah Almighty let all these pass successfully. It should be remembered that in these numerous hardships and difficulties there are countless Divine wisdoms. Our baser self is like a wild horse. If the reign of these hardships is not placed in its mouth to keep it in check, it will most certainly destroy us.

Despite these hardships, it is man who has claimed divinity. It is man who became false prophets. Oppression, brutality and blood is shed by man. The souls of the beloved servants of Allah Almighty are not base or evil. For them these hardships are a means of obtaining higher status. In short, we are that impure iron which melts in the furnace and with the beating of the hammer is made pure. But the pious servants are pure gold, which is melted in the furnace to gain the nearness of the Beloved like owners of the jewellery. It should be remembered that for all these hardships the best remedy is the remembrance of Allah Almighty. The administration of anesthetic does not let the patient feel the pain of the operation. Through the injection of the remembrance of Allah Almighty no pain of these hardships is felt. When the ladies of Egypt became deeply absorbed in the beauty of Hazrat Yusuf (On whom be peace) they did not feel the pain of their fingers being cut.

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 4
Topic : Men Creation

اَيَحۡسَبُ اَنۡ لَّنۡ يَّقۡدِرَ عَلَيۡهِ اَحَدٌ‌ۘ‏ ﴿۵﴾

5. Does he think that nobody can overpower (5) him?

5. Reason for its Revelation: This verse was revealed concerning Usaid bin Kaleedah who was a well-known wrestler. He was so strong that if he were to press a skin under his foot ten people would not be able to free it. The skin would tear into pieces but not get freed from under his feet. The Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم preached Islam to him, gave him glad-tidings about Paradise, instilled in him fear about Hell. On hearing this he said that the angels of Hell could do no harm to him. As a single man I am enough for them. In response to it this verse was revealed (Tafseer Roohul Mu'ani, Khazainul Irfaan). It should be remembered that Allah Almighty had physically kept man under the control of the parents, then the teacher, then the state so that the powers of all of them can become the proof of the power of Allah Almighty. Likewise, spiritually He has kept us under the control of the religious guide, the scholar, the saints, the angels and the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم so that these powers can become the proof of Allah's powers and our helplessness. Those who reject the powers of the Prophets, the Saints, and the angels are in reality keeping the faith of infidels. Since for our physical upbringing we are totally dependent on human beings, then for our spiritual development too we are dependent on the pious servants of Allah Almighty.

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 5
Topic : Does man think that no one can overpower him?

يَقُوۡلُ اَهۡلَكۡتُ مَالاً لُّبَدًاؕ‏ ﴿۶﴾

6.He says: "I have spent an enormous wealth".(6)

6. Reason for its Revelation:

This verse was revealed regarding either Walid bin Mugheerah who became the enemy of Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم and gave people bribes to stop them from accepting Islam. But he could not stop the progress of Islam. Eventually he regretfully expressed these words: "I have wasted heaps of wealth." From it we can understand that only that wealth is the mercy of Allah Almighty, which is spent on good things. Spending it on evil things can become the means of regret in the world and disgrace in the Hereafter. From this those people should take lessons who spend extravagantly to obtain membership of social organizations and ministerial posts, as well as irreligious customs during weddings. Or, this verse is revealed regarding Usaid bin Kaleedah who had arrogantly said to the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم that he had spent a large sum of money in service of man; that he is generous and benevolent. Under such circumstances this verse can prove beneficial that any charity whose object is not to obtain the pleasure of Allah Almighty but for name and fame and to maintain irreligious customs is in reality destruction of that wealth. Observe, Allah Almighty has called this spending destruction of the wealth, an exercise in futility.

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 6
Topic : Wealth

اَيَحۡسَبُ اَنۡ لَّمۡ يَرَهٗۤ اَحَدٌؕ‏ ﴿۷﴾

7.Does he think that none sees (7) him?

7. It means, does the infidel think that Allah Almighty is not looking at his deeds, intentions and desires? From this we learn that when spending wealth, one should consider its expenditures and the intention i.e. it should be spent with good intentions on good things. The good expenditure for charity is like the fertile ground for the seed while the good intention is like providing water for the seed. The seed will grow through the help of both these things

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 7
Topic : Men (Male)

اَلَمۡ نَجۡعَل لَّهٗ عَيۡنَيۡنِۙ‏ ﴿۸﴾

8. Have We not given him two eyes(8)?

8. Although animals too have been provided with eyes, their utility with man is different to that of the animals. Man obtains forgiveness for the sins by shedding tears from the eyes. He becomes a Hajee by seeing the Holy Ka'bah with it and a Companion by seeing the Holy with it. He uses the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم eye to look at the mother, daughter, wife, friend and enemy with a different gaze. In these very eyes are stored the heavens, the earth, the oceans. Light of the sight is neither warmed by the fire nor cooled by ice. It passes through the glass. It instantly travels through the heavens, the east and west. By reflecting upon it we can solve thousands of issues concerning beliefs, like the issue of Me'raaj, or the omnipresence and omniscience of the Holy Prophet or the miracles of the Saints of Allah Almighty, covering the earth in re the wink of an eye, etc. The Sufi sages say that by two eyes is meant the eyes of the heart and the mind. In the eye of the mind is outer Ivision while the eye of the heart reflects inner Al vision. Through the eye of the mind is seen the visual world while through the eye of the heart can be seen the unseen world. Through the physical sight one can see the words of the Holy Qur'aan while the inner sight acquaints you with its mystical meanings. The outer vision enables you to see the human form of the Holy Prophet while the inner vision helps you to see the resplendent light of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم Inner vision can be strengthened through worldly collyrium while the inner vision gains) its strength through the sacred dust of the Beloveds of Allah Almighty. When the light of the outer vision is pulverized with the inner vision then this outer vision travels the entire world, just as by connecting an electrical wire we are able to hear the sound which emanates from thousands of miles as in the case of telecommunication. The outer vision without the help of the inner vision can enable you to reach infidelity and atheism, but when it joins with the inner vision it will reveal to the person incredible wonders: "As long as intellect is under the control of the dictates of Allah Almighty it is Divine (Good). As soon as it assumes its freedom, it is devilish. (Evil)." In the light of this discussion, now read the verse: "Have We not made his two eyes?"

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 8
Topic : Eyes

وَلِسَانًا وَّشَفَتَيۡنِۙ‏ ﴿۹﴾

9.And a tongue and two lips (9)?

9. It should be remembered that the eye looks at someone else but not himself, while the tongue describes his own condition, not of someone else's. There is an encounter between them. Other outer limbs are in pairs, but the tongue is one, so that man can talk less and work more. Also, he should maintain one tongue i.e. be a man of his word. A person of double tongue is a hypocrite. Also, just as the outer tongue is one, the tongue of the heart i.e the inner tongue too should be one. Therefore it is important that the tongue and the heart should be one. The tongue is placed in captivity between the two lips. Thirty-two teeth have been placed as guards over it so that it can be understood that the looseness of the tongue is not good. An uncontrolled tongue distances a person from the Creator and the creation. It should further be remembered that on some people's tongue the baser self speaks,

while on the tongue of some the devil speaks, while on the tongue of some the angels speak and on others Allah Almighty speaks. In short, the human tongue is the absolute manifestation of Divine power. It is for this reason that it has been mentioned among His special bounties. The Quranic verses and all the prayers are like bullets while the tongue is the rifle. A good rifle is able to fire the bullet more effectively. The recitation of the Quran and the prayers uttered from the pure tongue will have more effect. Thus keep the tongue pure so that you can see the light of the Holy Quran. According to the Sufi sages the tongue of Islam and guidance is the Holy Quran while the actions and sayings of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلمare the two lips. Just as the tongue cannot reveal the secret of the heart without the help of the lips, likewise without the actions and utterances of the Holy Prophet the secrets of the HolyQur'aan cannot be unfolded.

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 9
Topic : Tongues

وَهَدَيۡنٰهُ النَّجۡدَيۡنِ‌ۚ‏ ﴿۱۰﴾

10.And We have guided him to the two (10) paths (good and evil).

10. It means the milk-laden breasts of the mother, which had taught the child to suckle it and to draw the attention of the mother by crying when hungry. This tells us that you should seek mercy by weeping, and never to despair from the mercy of Allah Almighty. connected with physical purity.t When He has provided us with sustenance at this helpless state according to our need, will He not provide it now? Most certainly He will! .Religion is correct which is inclusive of Shariah Or, that Allah Almighty has taught man different ways of good and evil. Showed him to follow the path of goodness to safeguard him from the path of evil. Or, made man aware of the paths of Shariah (laws of Islam) and Tareeqat (mystic way of life). Shariah purifies the heart. Both these paths are there to reach Allah Almighty.

Surah Name : Al-Balad   Surah Number : 90   Ayat Number: 10
Topic : Good Path

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