The Night (Al-Layl)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
CONSIDER the night as it veils [the earth] in darkness, 1 and the day in splendour 2 And by Him Who created male and female; 3 Verily your endeavour is diverse. 4 As for him who gives and is godfearing 5 And affirms goodness, 6 We shall ease the way of fortune for him. 7 But as for him who is a miser, and self-sufficient, 8 And gives the lie to the best,- 9 We shall pave his way to hardship, 10 And his riches will not avail him when he falls headlong (into the Abyss). 11 Verily We take upon Ourselves to guide, 12 and to Us belongs the Hereafter as well as the present world -- 13 Now I have warned you of a Fire that flames, 14 in which none shall be roasted except the most wretched sinner, 15 even he who cried lies, and turned away; 16 and from which the cautious shall be distanced. 17 he that spends his possessions [on others] so that he might grow in purity 18 And who hath no favour from anyone to recompense. 19 but only out of a longing for the countenance of his Sustainer, the All-Highest: 20 and he shall surely be satisfied. 21