Al-Lail

CONSIDER the night as it veils [the earth] in darkness,

and the day as it rises bright!

Consider the creation of the male and the female!

Verily, [O men,] you aim at most divergent ends!

Thus, as for him who gives [to others] and is conscious of God,

and believes in the truth of the ultimate good

for him shall We make easy the path towards [ultimate] ease.

But as for him who is niggardly, and thinks that he is self-sufficient,

and calls the ultimate good a lie –

for him shall We make easy the path towards hardship:

and what will his wealth avail him when he goes down [to his grave]?

BEHOLD, it is indeed for Us to grace [you] with guidance;

and, behold, Ours is [the dominion over] the life to come as well as [over] this earlier part [of your life]:

and so I warn you of the raging fire -

[the fire] which none shall have to endure but that most hapless wretch

who gives the lie to the truth and turns away [from it].

For, distant from it shall remain he who is truly conscious of God:

he that spends his possessions [on others] so that he might grow in purity –

not as payment for favours received,

but only out of a longing for the countenance of his Sustainer, the All-Highest:

and such, indeed, shall in time be well-pleased.