The Difficult Path

This verse challenges us about the demanding path that leads to good.

فَلَا ٱقۡتَحَمَ ٱلۡعَقَبَةَ

But he has not broken through the difficult pass.

Quran, Al-Balad 90:11

The previous verse reminds us that the human being has been guided to two ways. Here, the text notes that he does not cross the difficult path. The word 'ʿaqabah' refers to a steep mountain pass, a rugged ascent. The image is clear: good requires effort.

In our daily lives, this difficult path can be telling the truth, apologizing, or resisting a temptation. Choosing effort over ease is an act of self-control. The next verse announces that it will explain what this path is, but we can already act.

Today, identify a situation where you are tempted to take the easy way, and deliberately choose the effort, even a small one.