90: [This] Countryside

These 20 early Meccan verses were revealed after (The Letter) Qaf (or Q) 50 and before The Nightcomer 86; they are composed in rhymed prose. A clear
statement concerning free will or the choice which is offered Muslims is made here.
Reciting it brings us spiritual blessings, especially on Fridays.
The term AL-Ba!ad contained in the title is difficult to translate, for its meaning
ranges from the idea of' city `to' country `, and includes that of district, home
town, municipality, community, or land. Various versions use most of these English
terms. It here means the sacred surroundings of Mecca.