Translation of the meanings Ayah 12 Surah Al-Balad - English Translation - Abdullah Hasan Yaqoub - The Noble Qur'an Encyclopedia

Ayah: 12

وَمَآ أَدۡرَىٰكَ مَا ٱلۡعَقَبَةُ

12. What will make you know what is [entering through] the narrow path6 'and passing it'.

6. Paths are different not just in size, but in reasons for why they are this way. The path to destruction is seen as wide because in our fallen world, sin is plentiful and can be found everywhere. We are encouraged, at times, to focus on ourselves rather than others and that greed, pride, and power are all worthy attributes to have. Many will go through this path because it is easy, enticing, and fulfills all their needs and wants, even if temporarily. The difficult path is narrow and few will go through it. It is the path to salvation, of surrendering one’s life to Allāh and following a path that can be challenging but rewarding at times. You will grow more spiritually while on this path, and realize that the world (offered through the wide path) doesn’t have as much to offer you as the difficult path does. Muhammad (ﷺ), the Messenger of God said: “Paradise is surrounded by adversity, and Hellfire is surrounded by lusts.”