The Night (Al-Layl)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
CONSIDER the night as it veils [the earth] in darkness, 1 and by the day as it appears radiantly, 2 Consider the creation of the male and the female! 3 Lo! your effort is dispersed (toward divers ends). 4 Then as for him who gives away and guards (against evil), 5 And believes in the best [reward], 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 denied the Truth of goodness: 9 We will make smooth for him the path for evil; 10 nor will his wealth profit him when he falls [into the pit]. 11 Indeed, Guidance is Ours, 12 and to Us belong the hereafter and the worldly life. 13 I therefore warn you of the fire that is ablaze. 14 in which no one will suffer forever except the wicked ones 15 Who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs. 16 Far removed from it will be the righteous 17 who spend for the cause of God and purify themselves. 18 And have in their minds no favour from anyone for which a reward is expected in return, 19 acting only for the sake of his Lord the Most High -- 20 And he is going to be satisfied. 21