Commentary on Surah al-Balad

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

“Indeed, I swear by this city, while you are free of restriction in this city; by the begetter and what he begot; We have certainly created man in hardship. Does he suppose that no one has power over him? He says, ‘I have spent abundant wealth.’ Does he suppose that no one has seen him? Have We not given him two eyes, a tongue and two lips, and shown him the two paths?”

The basmala has already been discussed.

“Indeed, I swear by this city.” The word lā is used to introduce and emphasize the statement; it is not a negation, for the intended meaning is to affirm the oath—that is, “I swear by this city.” Here, lā serves to draw attention and add emphasis.

To swear an oath is to affirm something by mentioning, in a particular formula, something held in reverence. Anything sworn by must therefore be revered by the person taking the oath, although it may not in itself be worthy of reverence. For example, those who swear by al-Lāt and al-Uzzā revere them, though in reality they possess neither greatness nor anything deserving of reverence.

Swearing, taking an oath, and making a solemn affirmation all have the same meaning: affirming something in a particular formula by mentioning what the person taking the oath reveres. The particles used for oaths are bā, wāw, and tā. The particle used here in the noble verse, “Indeed, I swear by this city,” is the bā.

“This city” refers here to Makkah. Allah swore by it because of its honor and greatness. It is the most sacred place on earth and the place on earth most beloved to Allah, Glorious and Exalted. For this reason, from it He sent the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—who is the master of