Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD

Abstract

Surah Al-Layl (الليل, “The Night”) is a concise chapter of the Quran that contrasts two moral archetypes – the generous, God-conscious soul versus the selfish, heedless soul – against the backdrop of cosmic dualities. Opening with a series of oaths by the night and day and by the Creator of male and female, it invites us to reflect on the purposeful order in nature and its parallel in our moral order. Each human being’s efforts in life diverge towards either ease or hardship, guided by their choices and God’s will. This commentary explores the surah verse by verse through scientific insights (e.g. the role of the night-day cycle), philosophical reflections (duality and purpose), and theological lessons (Divine guidance and occasionalism, God’s mercy and justice). We will see how Allah supports the righteous and compassionate – easing their path and ultimately granting them inner peace – whereas those mired in greed and denial find their path difficult. Historical examples at both individual and societal levels (from a charitable Companion in Medina to an entire community aided by God in battle) illustrate the surah’s promise in action. We also draw on classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship (including the writings of Zia H Shah MD on Quranic oaths and Al-Ghazali’s occasionalism in God’s control of causes) to deepen our understanding. In the end, Surah Al-Layl points to the attainment of the “soul at peace”, the serene state of inner tranquility that awaits those who devote themselves to faith, generosity, and trust in God’s plan.

Introduction

Revealed in Makka, Surah Al-Layl is a powerful admonition wrapped in only 21 verses. It was reportedly sent down in relation to a specific event: a contrast between a miserly man and a generous benefactor during the Prophet’s time al-islam.org. This surah’s central theme is the divergence of human effort and destiny: one path of charity, piety, and truthfulness leads to ease and ultimate happiness, while the opposite path of avarice, indifference, and denial leads to hardship and ruin. The chapter’s opening oaths by Night and Day and by the Creator of male and female establish a universal backdrop of opposites and complements – indicating that just as nature is full of purposeful pairs and cycles, human life, too, unfolds between opposing moral choices thequran.love thequran.love. Classical commentators have noted that these opening oaths set the stage for the surah’s lesson: the night/day and male/female imagery foreshadows the contrast between the righteous giver and the wicked miser that the surah will highlight thequran.love.

In what follows, each verse (or small group of verses) of Surah Al-Layl is presented in Arabic with its English translation, followed by a multi-faceted commentary. We will integrate insights from science (to appreciate the natural phenomena used in the oaths), philosophy (to ponder the meanings of duality, altruism, and happiness), and theology (to understand concepts like divine guidance, Allah’s mercy, and the doctrine of occasionalism – that all causation rests in God’s hands). Throughout, we will reference scholarly analyses – notably the works of Zia H Shah MD on Quranic oaths and Al-Ghazali’s perspectives – to enrich our understanding. Through this comprehensive lens, Surah Al-Layl’s timeless message shines clearly: Allah has set an order in both nature and morality, and by aligning ourselves with it – through faith and generosity – we secure not only God’s pleasure but also our own inner peace and ultimate salvation.

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