وَهَـٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ ٱلْأَمِينِ 3
Translations
And [by] this secure city [i.e., Makkah],
Transliteration
wa-hādhā al-balad al-amīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Makkah, the sacred city, which Allah has designated as a place of security and sanctity (amān). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'al-balad al-amīn' (the secure city) emphasizes Makkah's spiritual significance and the divine protection granted to it, where even wild animals do not harm one another, reflecting the peace established by Allah within its sacred boundaries.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tin is a Meccan surah that begins by swearing by the Fig and the Olive before addressing the dignity of human creation. This ayah appears as the third element in a series of sacred oaths, emphasizing Makkah's unique status as a sanctuary chosen by Allah, contextualizing humanity's moral responsibility in relation to this blessed city.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding Makkah: 'This city is sacred (haram), its game is not to be hunted, its thorns are not to be cut, and its lost property is not to be picked up except by one who announces it' (Sahih Muslim 1354). This reinforces the concept of Makkah's protected status mentioned in the ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the special honor Allah has granted to certain places and peoples, inspiring reverence for sacred sites and encouraging us to recognize that true security comes from obedience to Allah's commands and respect for His established sanctuaries.