The Night (Al-Layl)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
I CALL THE night to witness when it covers over, 1 by the day when it appears radiant, 2 and by the creation of the male and the female. 3 That your endeavour is for different ends. 4 As for him who giveth and is dutiful (toward Allah) 5 And testifieth to the Good, 6 observe piety, and believe in receiving rewards from God. 7 But as for him who is niggardly, and thinks that he is self-sufficient, 8 And rejects the best, 9 We shall facilitate for him the way to Hardship, 10 and his wealth shall be of no avail to him when he perishes. 11 Lo! Ours it is (to give) the guidance 12 And verify Ours is both the Hereafter and the life present. 13 Therefore I warn you of the fire that flames: 14 No one will burn in it but the most wretched, 15 He who denieth and turneth away. 16 He will be far away from the most pious. (The first Caliph S. Abu Bakr Siddiq) 17 And gives of his wealth that he may grow in virtue, 18 and confers no favor upon anyone for recompense 19 Except the seeking of the pleasure of his Lord, the Most High. 20 and such, indeed, shall in time be well-pleased. 21