الليل
Al Layl
Verses
21
Revelation
Makki
Period
Early Meccan
Surah No.
92 / 114
Al-Layl opens with oaths by the contrasting phenomena of night and day, and male and female, before presenting two contrasting human paths: the one who gives, is conscious of Allah, and affirms the good, versus the one who withholds, is self-sufficient, and denies. The surah declares that Allah will ease each person toward their chosen path – ease toward goodness or hardship toward misguidance. It concludes with praise of the generous believer who spends seeking the pleasure of his Lord, and promises him contentment.
أسباب النزول
This surah was revealed partly in response to the generosity of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, who had purchased and freed several slaves including Bilal ibn Rabah and Amir ibn Fuhayrah from the Qurayshi torturers. The concluding verses about the one who gives his wealth to purify himself are among the clearest Quranic tributes to Abu Bakr, though the surah addresses a universal moral law.
“As for he who gives and fears Allah, and believes in the best reward – We will ease him toward ease.”
The three conditions of the righteous path: giving, God-consciousness, and affirming divine goodness. Allah's response is to further ease them along the path of good.
“And not for anyone who has done him a favour to be rewarded – but only seeking the face of his Lord, the Most High.”
The purest description of sincerity (ikhlas) in giving: spending not for gratitude, reputation, or return, but solely for the pleasure of Allah.