Chapter 92 - 12
The Night (Surah Al-Lail)
(21 verses in total; revealed in early Makkan period)
This chapter contrasts the nature of human beings as manifested in our gender, our propensity to goodness or evil, our ease and difficulties in life, our acceptance of God or denial, corruption of our soul or its purification, generosity vs. stinginess. Some of these run parallel to what we see in nature contrasting day vs. night, hellfire vs. paradise, present life vs. hereafter, light vs. darkness.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
Human strivings are diverse as we seek different ways to lead our lives on this earth
Some of us are generous with our support for others and openness to the truth which lead to ease of life and eventual success
Others are stingy when it comes to sharing life’s blessings with others and unwillingness to acknowledge the truth which then leads to a life burdened with anxiety, doubts and constant fear of losing all that we hold dear, including our own lives.
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
The receding night
The radiant day
The creation of male and female! (v. 1-3)
Indeed, your strivings are diverse
As for those who are generous and act responsibly
And testify to what is good
We (God) bring them ease!
As for those who are stingy and egotistic
And rejects what is good
We facilitate their ways to difficulties!
Their wealth will not save them as their destruction! (v. 4-11)
Surely, it is on Us (God) to guide
Surely, to Us belong the hereafter and the former!
Therefore, I (God) warn you of a blazing fire
None steps into it except the most wicked
Who rejects (the truth) and turns away (in arrogance)
But those who act responsibly will be protected
Who give away their resources for self-purification
Without any favors to or from anyone
Except to seek the grace of their Cherisher, the Grand!
Soon they will be pleased indeed! (v.12-21)
