A Meccan sura showing the consequences of the paths people choose and emphasizing God’s guidance and warning.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1By the enshrouding night, 2by the radiant day, 3by His creationa of male and female! 4The ways you take differ greatly. 5There is the one who gives, who is mindful of God, 6who testifies to goodness— 7We shall smooth his way towards ease. 8There is the one who is miserly, who is self-satisfied, 9who denies goodness— 10We shall smooth his way towards hardship 11and his wealth will not help him as he falls.b
12Our part is to provide guidance— 13this world and the next belong to Us— 14so I warn you about the raging Fire, 15in which none but the most wicked one will burn, 16who denied [the truth], and turned away. 17The most pious one will be spared this— 18who gives his wealth away as self-purification, 19not to return a favour to anyone 20but for the sake of his Lord the Most Highc— 21and he will be well pleased.