By the night as it enshrouds (the earth in its darkness);
And the day as it rises bright;
And that (All-Magnificent One) Who has created the male and the female:
Surely your endeavor is diverse (in character and ends).
Then, as for him who gives (out of his wealth for God’s good pleasure), and keeps from disobedience to Him in reverence for Him and piety,
And affirms the best (in creed, action, and the reward to be given),
We will make easy for him the path to the state of ease (salvation after an easy reckoning).
But as for him who is niggardly and regards himself as self-sufficient in independence of Him,
And denies the best (in creed, action, and the reward to be given),
We will make easy for him the path to hardship (punishment after a hard reckoning).
And his wealth will not avail him when he falls to ruin.
It is surely for Us to bestow guidance;
And to Us belong the Hereafter as well as the former (life).
And so I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely.
None will enter it to roast but the most wicked,
Who denies (My Message) and turns away.
And far removed from it (the Fire) will be he who keeps farthest away from disobedience to God in greater reverence for Him and piety;
Who spends his wealth (in God’s cause and for the needy), so that he may grow in purity;
Without anyone who has favored him so that he should spend in return for it, or expecting any reward in return for what he spends.
(Rather, he spends) only in longing for the good pleasure of his Lord, the Most High.
He will certainly be contented (he with his Lord and his Lord with him).