92. Al-Layl (The Night)

This sūrah of 21 verses was revealed in Makkah. It takes its name from the word al-layl (the night) in the first verse. It urges humans to do the things that will earn their salvation, and to avoid the things that will earn their perdition.

In the Name of God, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate.

1. By the night as it enshrouds (the earth in its darkness);

2. And the day as it rises bright;

3. And that (All-Magnificent One) Who has created the male and the female—

4. Surely your endeavor is diverse (in character and ends).

5. Then, as for him who gives (out of his wealth for God’s good pleasure), and keeps from disobedience to Him in reverence for Him and piety,

6. And affirms the best (in creed, action, and the reward to be given),

7. We will make easy for him the path to the state of ease (salvation after an easy reckoning).

8. But as for him who is niggardly and regards himself as self-sufficient in independence of Him,

9. And denies the best (in creed, action, and the reward to be given),

10. We will make easy for him the path to hardship (punishment after a hard reckoning).

11. And his wealth will not avail him when he falls to ruin.

12. It is surely for Us to bestow guidance;

13. And to Us belong the Hereafter as well as the former (life).

14. And so I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely.

15. None will enter it to roast but the most wicked,

16. Who denies (My Message) and turns away.

17. And far removed from it (the Fire) will be he who keeps farthest away from disobedience to God in greater reverence for Him and piety;

18. Who spends his wealth (in God’s cause and for the needy), so that he may grow in purity,

19. Without anyone who has favored him so that he should spend in return for it, nor expecting any reward in return for what he spends.

20. (Rather, he spends) only in longing for the good pleasure of his Lord, the Most High.

21. He will certainly be contented (he with his Lord and his Lord with him).1 


The Qur'an with Annotated Interpretation in Modern English

The Qur’an with Annotated Interpretation in Modern English

1. This alludes to the rank of being well-pleased with God and well-pleasing to Him (see 89: 28). For this rank, please refer to Key Concepts, 1: 104–115.

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