The Night (Al-Layl)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
I CALL THE night to witness when it covers over, 1 And by oath of the day when it shines 2 Consider the creation of the male and the female! 3 That your endeavour is for different ends. 4 As for one who gives [to others] and fears [God], 5 And (in all sincerity) testifies to the best,- 6 for him shall We make easy the path towards [ultimate] ease. 7 As for him who was a miser and behaved with aversion (to Allah), 8 and he belied the finest 9 for him shall We make easy the path towards hardship: 10 and what will his wealth avail him when he goes down [to his grave]? 11 Surely Ours is it to show the way, 12 And indeed, to Us belongs the Hereafter and the first [life]. 13 Therefore do I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely; 14 None shall reach it but those most unfortunate ones 15 Who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs. 16 The pious ones will be safe from this fire 17 Who gives away his wealth, purifying himself 18 And none hath with him any favour for reward, 19 but only out of a longing for the countenance of his Sustainer, the All-Highest: 20 Will surely be gratified. 21