The Night (Al-Layl)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
I CALL THE night to witness when it covers over, 1 And the day resplendent 2 Consider the creation of the male and the female! 3 surely your striving is to diverse ends. 4 Yet he who gives to others and has fear, 5 and believes in the truth of the ultimate good 6 We will pave his way to ease. 7 But as for him who is a miser, and self-sufficient, 8 and rejects what is right, 9 We shall surely ease him to the Hardship; 10 Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit). 11 Surely it is for Us to show the Right Way, 12 And verily unto Us (belong) the End and the Beginning. 13 So I have warned you of a Fire which is blazing. 14 Which only the most wretched must endure, 15 Who belieth and turneth away. 16 And avoid it shall the most pious, 17 he that spends his possessions [on others] so that he might grow in purity 18 And none hath with him any favour for reward, 19 acting only for the sake of his Lord the Most High -- 20 and before long he will be well satisfied. 21