The Night (Al-Layl)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
By the night enshrouding 1 And the day resplendent 2 and by the creation of the male and the female. 3 Lo! your effort is dispersed (toward divers ends). 4 As for him who gives and is godfearing 5 for those who spend for the cause of God, 6 We shall ease the way of fortune for him. 7 But as for one who is miserly and unheeding, 8 and calls the ultimate good a lie 9 We shall pave his way to 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 truly, unto Us (belong) the last (Hereafter) and the first (this world). 13 I therefore warn you of the fire that is ablaze. 14 [the fire] which none shall have to endure but that most hapless wretch 15 who denied [the truth], and turned away. 16 And avoid it shall the most pious, 17 even he who gives his wealth. to purify himself 18 And not [giving] for anyone who has [done him] a favor to be rewarded 19 acting only for the sake of his Lord the Most High -- 20 and he shall surely be satisfied. 21