AL-LAIL
Makkah Period
This sūrah of 21 verses was revealed in Makkah. It takes its name from the word al-layl (the night) in the first verse. It urges humans to do the things that will earn their salvation, and to avoid the things that will earn their perdition.
- By the night as it enshrouds (the earth in its darkness);
- And the day as it rises bright;
- And that (All-Magnificent One) Who has created the male and the female:
- Surely your endeavor is diverse (in character and ends).
- Then, as for him who gives (out of his wealth for God’s good pleasure), and keeps from disobedience to Him in reverence for Him and piety,
- And affirms the best (in creed, action, and the reward to be given),
- We will make easy for him the path to the state of ease (salvation after an easy reckoning).
- But as for him who is niggardly and regards himself as self-sufficient in in- dependence of Him,
- And denies the best (in creed, action, and the reward to be given),
- We will make easy for him the path to hardship (punishment after a hard reckoning).
- And his wealth will not avail him when he falls to ruin.
- It is surely for Us to bestow guidance;
- And to Us belong the Hereafter as well as the former (life).
- And so I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely.
- None will enter it to roast but the most wicked,
- Who denies (My Message) and turns away.
- And far removed from it (the Fire) will be he who keeps farthest away from
disobedience to God in greater reverence for Him and piety;
- Who spends his wealth (in God’s cause and for the needy), so that he may grow in purity;
- Without anyone who has favored him so that he should spend in return for it, or expecting any reward in return for what he spends.
- (Rather, he spends) only in longing for the good pleasure of his Lord, the Most High.
- He will certainly be contented (he with his Lord and his Lord with him).1
- This alludes to the rank of being well-pleased with God and well-pleasing to Him (see 89: 28). For this rank, please refer to Key concepts, 1: 104–115.