The Night (Al-Layl)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
By the night as it veils [the earth] in darkness, 1 and the day in splendour 2 And by Who created the male and female, 3 Verily, [O men,] you aim at most divergent ends! 4 As for him who gives and is godfearing 5 and believes in the truth of what is right, 6 We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness). 7 As for him who was a miser and behaved with aversion (to Allah), 8 and denied the Truth of goodness: 9 for him shall We make easy the path towards hardship: 10 And his riches will not avail him when he falls headlong (into the Abyss). 11 Lo! Ours it is (to give) the guidance 12 and, behold, Ours is [the dominion over] the life to come as well as [over] this earlier part [of your life]: 13 I have now warned you of a Blazing Fire, 14 whereat none but the most wretched shall be roasted, 15 Who denied (the truth) and turned away. 16 But save him who fears 17 He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, 18 not as payment for any favours that he received, 19 Except only the desire to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High; 20 Will surely be gratified. 21