---
title: "al-Balad 90:13 Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "Al-Balad 90:13 refers to the Qur'anic verse 'Faqqu raqabah' ('the freeing of a slave'), highlighting a key aspect of moral redemption."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/al-balad-90-13"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Al-Balad 90:13 is the Qur'anic verse "Faqqu raqabah" ("the freeing of a slave"), defining one of the steep ascents to salvation.
- What does al-Balad 90:13 literally mean and where does it occur?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of kaffārah?
- Why do exegetes call this part of the surah the 'ʿaqabah' passage?
- How is this verse used in arguments about Islam and slavery?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Al-Balad 90:13 is the Qur'anic verse "Faqqu raqabah" ("the freeing of a slave"), defining one of the steep ascents to salvation.

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In the 2019 CSS Islamic Studies paper, candidates were asked to discuss Islam's stance on slavery, where citing al-Balad 90:13 (faqqu raqabah) as proof of manumission's high moral status earned strong marks.

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