The Night (Al-Layl)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I CALL THE night to witness when it covers over, 1 and by the day when it breaks in its glory, 2 And by Him Who created male and female; 3 your striving is indeed to different ends! 4 Thus, as for him who gives [to others] and is conscious of God, 5 And believeth in goodness; 6 for him shall We make easy the path towards [ultimate] ease. 7 But as for he who withholds and considers himself free of need 8 And denied the best matter, 9 We shall surely ease him to the Hardship; 10 When he falls (into Hell), his wealth will not help him. 11 Surely, in Our hands is guidance, 12 And to Us belong the End and the Beginning. 13 I have now warned you of a Blazing Fire, 14 None shall reach it but those most unfortunate ones 15 Who belieth and turneth away. 16 But the righteous one will avoid it - 17 he that spends his possessions [on others] so that he might grow in purity 18 And is under no one's obligation to return his favour, 19 But only seeking the countenance of his Lord, Most High. 20 and the reward (of their Lord) will certainly make them happy. 21