Sūrat al-Balad is the ninetieth chapter of the Quran, and most commentators believe this chapter to be early Meccan. Some, such as Suyūṭī, believe it was revealed in the middle period of the Prophet’s life in Mecca, after Sūrat al-Qāf. A minority of scholars, such as Ālūsī, suggest that the first four verses are Medinan as they were revealed after the conquest of Mecca.
The most famous name for this chapter is al-Balad which has been taken from the first verse. It has also rarely been called Sūrah Lā Uqsimu which has also been adapted from the first verse.
The main theme of the surah is the reality of the human condition. The life of man in this world is full of struggles and hardships and he must adopt patience to distance himself from sins and carry out his duties. He must also inculcate the spirit of compassion within himself to aid the weaker individuals of society such as the orphans and the needy. It is only through this that he may attain felicity and join the ranks of companions of the right (aṣḥāb al-yamīn).
[1] Alusi, 15/349. [2] Ibn Ashur, 30/305. [3] Mizan, 20/289.