Al-Layl

wa-al-layli idhā yaghshā

By the enshrouding night,

wal-nahāri idhā tajallā

by the radiant day,

wamā khalaqa l-dhakara wal-unthā

by His creation of male and female!

inna saʿyakum lashattā

The ways you take differ greatly.

fa-ammā man aʿṭā wa-ittaqā

There is the one who gives, who is mindful of God,

waṣaddaqa bil-ḥus'nā

who testifies to goodness––

fasanuyassiruhu lil'yus'rā

We shall smooth his way towards ease.

wa-ammā man bakhila wa-is'taghnā

There is the one who is miserly, who is self-satisfied,

wakadhaba bil-ḥus'nā

who denies goodness––

fasanuyassiruhu lil'ʿus'rā

We shall smooth his way towards hardship

wamā yugh'nī ʿanhu māluhu idhā taraddā

and his wealth will not help him as he falls.

inna ʿalaynā lalhudā

Our part is to provide guidance––

wa-inna lanā lalākhirata wal-ūlā

this world and the next belong to Us––

fa-andhartukum nāran talaẓẓā

so I warn you about the raging Fire,

lā yaṣlāhā illā l-ashqā

in which none but the most wicked one will burn,

alladhī kadhaba watawallā

who denied [the truth], and turned away.

wasayujannabuhā l-atqā

The most pious one will be spared this––

alladhī yu'tī mālahu yatazakkā

who gives his wealth away as self-purification,

wamā li-aḥadin ʿindahu min niʿ'matin tuj'zā

not to return a favour to anyone

illā ib'tighāa wajhi rabbihi l-aʿlā

but for the sake of his Lord the Most High––

walasawfa yarḍā

and he will be well pleased.