The Night (Al-Layl)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
By the night when it envelopeth, 1 And the day when it shines in brightness, 2 Consider the creation of the male and the female! 3 O men, you truly strive towards the most diverse ends! 4 Then as for him who giveths and feareth Him. 5 And affirms goodness, 6 We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness). 7 But as for he who withholds and considers himself free of need 8 and calls the ultimate good a lie 9 We shall surely ease him to the Hardship; 10 And what will his wealth benefit him when he goes down (in destruction). 11 BEHOLD, it is indeed for Us to grace [you] with guidance; 12 And verily unto Us (belong) the End and the Beginning. 13 I have warned you then about a raging Fire: 14 [the fire] which none shall have to endure but that most hapless wretch 15 Who belieth and turneth away. 16 And avoid it shall the most pious, 17 He who gives his wealth to be purified, 18 not as payment for favours received, 19 but only to seek the good pleasure of his Lord Most High. 20 and such, indeed, shall in time be well-pleased. 21