Surah Al-Lail (اللَّيْل), translated as "The Night," is the 92nd chapter of the Qur'an, in the 30th and the last Para/Juz of the Quran. The surah was sent by Allah to comfort and reassure the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the believers during a period when the early Muslims were facing intense persecution and hardship in Mecca. The words of this surah are meant to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the challenges they face.
Surah Al-Lail is among the shorter surahs, with just 21 short Ayahs (verses) in total. It was revealed in Mecca, estimated to have been revealed in the 4th year of Prophethood. It has a similar theme as the preceding surah, continuing to elucidate the contrast between two ways of life: good and evil. Using nature, specifically the night, the surah highlights both paths and their consequences. The surah takes its name from the first word of the first Ayah, "وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَىٰ,"
"By the night when it covers" [92:1].
The dichotomy between those who strive for righteousness and those who turn away from it is distinctly emphasized in Surah Al-Lail. The surah compactly underscores the importance of individual choice and the consequences of one's actions while also providing clear guidance on how to achieve success in both this world and the Akhirat (hereafter).
٩٢ - ٱللَّيْل
92 - Al-Lail
English
Ahmed Ali
2
English
Ahmed Ali
3
English
Ahmed Ali
4
English
Ahmed Ali
5
English
Ahmed Ali
7
English
Ahmed Ali
8
Surah Al-Layl was sent down around the same period as Surah Ash-Shams, i.e., during the early phase of the Prophetic mission of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, in Mecca. Like Surah Ash-Shams, Surah Al-Layl also mentions two divergent ways of life: the good and the right way versus the bad and the wrong way.
However, no specific event or incident is associated with the revelation of Surah Al-Layl. Like many other Meccan Surahs of that phase of the Prophet’s life in Mecca, the main purpose of sending down this Surah was to differentiate between two different groups of people, based on their behavior and attitude towards life. In this context, Surah Al-Layl can be divided into two sections. The first section comprises the first 11 verses, whereas the second part of this Surah comprises the last ten verses. Each part narrates three truths about human nature.
The Surah starts in typical Quranic style by oath on some of the most visible cosmic patterns, highlighting the contrast between them, such as night and day, and male and female. The purpose of these citations is to explain the difference between two groups of people, the good and the bad, or the right and the wrong. These two groups are as different in their character as are day and night. After that, the Surah briefly explains three divergent characteristics of these two groups. The three characteristics of righteous people are:
The characteristics of wrongful people are described as:
Going further, the Surah categorically declares that the fate of these two divergent groups of people can never be the same due to obvious reasons. Hence, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ makes the righteous way easy for those who belong to the first group, and makes the wrongful way difficult for them. The result is quite clear; they will remain away from sinful activities in this world and will remain firm on the righteous path.
Contrary to that, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ will make the righteous way hard and difficult for the people falling in the second group, and the wrongful path will become easier for them. Resultantly, they will find it easy to continue wrongful activities, whereas they will not adopt the righteous path. So, the final destiny of both these groups is quite clear and obvious. The first group belongs to Paradise, whereas the second group will find themselves in Hellfire.
Likewise, the second half of this Surah also explains three truths as follows:
The last five verses of this Surah define the qualities of a true righteous person. Many scholars are of the view that these verses were revealed for the first Rashidun Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, who possessed all these qualities, and he is also remembered as one of the most righteous persons after the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
Surah Al-Layl is a Makki Surah, revealed during the very early days of the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
Surah Al-Layl is the 92nd Surah of the Quran, and is placed in the 30th Juzz (Para). It comes after Surah Ash-Shams and before Surah Ad-Duhaa. It is the 9th Surah in the order of revelation, and falls at number 92 in the sequence of recitation.
Surah Al-Layl deals with the contrasting characteristics of human behaviors, which ultimately divide them into two distinct groups. The actions and deeds of both these groups are as divergent as day and night are. The Surah describes the qualities and characters of these two groups, concluding that since the line of action of these groups is entirely opposite to each other, their fate will also be different.
The Surah teaches us some of the basic requirements of being a believer, which can be summarized as follows:
The last four verses of this Surah explain the qualities and attributes of a true righteous person. Many scholars are of the view that these verses indirectly refer to the qualities of the first Rashidun Caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddique رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. The lesson learned from these verses is that a Muslim should try to attain the qualities of a righteous person, which were practically exhibited by the first Rashidun Caliph.
Similar to its preceding surah, Surah Ash-Shams, the primary theme in Surah Al-Lail is the contrast between different aspects of existence and human behavior. The imagery of duality, night and day, is a means to establish the differences between the paths of good and evil in relation to action and reward. The surah opens with a reference to the symbolism of the duality with balance in creation:
"By the night when it covers, and by the day when it appears" (Qur'an 92: 1 - 2).
This contrast of imagery from nature sets the stage for the deeper exploration of moral and ethical dualities in human life. It additionally opens up the opportunity for the one paying heed to ponder upon nature, its creation, and the profound lessons stored in everything on earth. Continuing with this "contrast," the difference in choices and actions of the righteous and the wicked are described in further verses, with a firm emphasis on their consequences.
"That your endeavor is for different ends. Yet he who gives to others and has fear, And affirms goodness, We shall ease the way of fortune for him. But he who does not give and is unconcerned, And rejects goodness, For him We shall ease the way of adversity" (Qur'an 92: 4 - 10).
The above verses highlight those who are generous, God-fearing, and believe in the ultimate reward. These verses comfort the believers that they will find their path made easy. In contrast, it warns those who are selfish, arrogant, and disbelieving that they will face hardship if they continue to strive on the path of wrong.
The verses in Surah Al-Lail condense the subject of reward and punishment discussed throughout the Quran, with an emphasis on accountability. The mentions of the Akhirat (hereafter) remind the listeners and readers of the inevitable consequences of one's actions:
"And his riches will not avail him when he falls headlong (into the Abyss). It is indeed for Us to show the way, And to Us belong the End and the Beginning." (Qur'an 92: 11 - 13).
These verses are a robust reminder to believers and disbelievers alike that ultimate guidance and judgment rest with Allah alone, and they must seek it all from Him.
Surah Al-Lail ends with encouragement towards acts of charity and generosity that reinforce the idea of the actions reaping their reward and the true success that comes from devoting ourselves completely to Allah.
"And gives of his wealth that he may grow in virtue" (Qur'an 92:18).
The following Hadith encapsulates concisely the insightful lessons in Surah Al-Lail of striving to be righteous and generous as Muslims. Allah's Beloved Messenger (ﷺ) appropriately recited a few ayahs from this surah after advising his companions to strive despite Qadr (predestination). (A few varying narrations have mentioned the company being at a funeral procession.)
`Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated: "We were in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ), and he said, "There is none among you but has his place written for him, either in Paradise or in the Hell-Fire." We said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Shall we depend (on this fact and give up work)?" He replied, "No! Carry on doing good deeds, for everybody will find easy (to do) such deeds as will lead him to his destined place." Then the Prophet (ﷺ) recited: 'As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah, and believes in the Best reward. We will make smooth for him the path of ease....the path for evil.' [92.5-10]” (Sahih Al Bukhari 4947; Musnad Ahmad 1110)
Ibn Kathir, an eminent scholar, emphasizes in his Tafsir that this surah illustrates the importance of human effort and the consequences of one's actions. The contrast between night and day serves as a reminder of the inherent dualities in life and the choices individuals must make. These choices, as highlighted by Al-Tabari, must be based on generosity as these words of Allah encourage believers to give from their wealth and resources. Such acts of charity and giving helps them purify their wealth and themselves, while attaining Allah's pleasure as well as the success of this world and the next.
Mindful reflection on the lessons of Surah Al-Lail can benefit one to grow spiritually and develop their character according to what pleases Allah. With lessons of humility, believers can learn to evaluate their actions and intentions, building accountability and moral responsibility. The emphasis on generosity and selflessness in the last verses inspires believers to practice charity, with in turn benefits them by purifying their souls while earning Allah's pleasure.
The surah reminds the reader of the transient nature of material wealth and teaches them the ultimate significance of immaterial faith. This is a major lesson to help believers maintain a balanced perspective on life, inculcating gratitude and appreciation for what they have. Navigating the challenges of life becomes easier with prioritizing their duties in Islam and striving for righteousness.
Surah Al-Layl holds great virtues and benefits, some of which are as follows:
Correct recitation of the Quran is extremely important because these are words of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. The language of the Quran is Arabic, which is quite an elaborate language, where a single word may have several meanings. With a slight variation in pronouncing a word, the meaning changes. That makes it highly sensitive to recite the Quran precisely in the same way, as was taught by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
But the correct recitation of the Quran is sometimes very difficult for a non-Arabic-speaking person. While the correct recitation of the Quran can be learned by taking Quran learning classes with an authentic teacher, another easy way is to listen to the Quran, as recited by a renowned and authentic Qari or reciter. Apart from that, sometimes one may also like to just listen to the Quran, instead of reading it on their own.
The MuslimandQuran mobile app facilitates you to listen to the recitation of the Quran. Recitations by many renowned and authentic Qaris are available on our website and mobile application, and you can listen to them on your mobile devices or laptops easily, whenever you like. You can select a Qari of your preference to listen to and learn the correct recitation of the Quran. You only need to download the MuslimandQuran mobile application to listen to any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Layl.
You can download our mobile app for both Android and iOS by clicking the links given below:
The MuslimandQuran mobile app provides the facility to read the Quran online. But if you are interested in reading it offline, you can also download any Surah of the Quran, including Surah Al-Layl, as a PDF.
You can download Surah Al-Layl in PDF by following these simple steps:
Al-Layl translates to “night”. In the context of Surah Al-Layl, this word is used alongside "the day" to describe the difference between different human behaviors, such as the right and the wrongful acts.
Surah Al-Layl has 21 verses.
Recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Layl, is in itself a highly virtuous act. However, no specific benefits of reciting this Surah are mentioned by scholars in any of the authentic Quran Commentaries. Regular recitation of this Surah while understanding its meanings enables us to distinguish between the good and bad, and right and wrong, which is the basic theme of this Surah.
No specific time is recommended by scholars, nor has it been mentioned in any of the authentic Hadiths, for the recitation of Surah Al-Layl. Generally, the Quran can be recited anytime, at the convenience of the reciter. However, it is often recommended that the best time to recite the Quran is after the Fajr prayer. Hence, Surah Al-Layl can be recited whenever you like.
Although no authentic Hadith specifically describes the benefits of reciting Surah Al-Layl, Hadith 465b of Sahih Muslim mentions that once the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ advised his companions to recite short Surahs, including Surah Al-Layl, when leading the prayers.
Yes, you can listen to all the Surahs of the Quran, including Surah Al-Layl, on the mobile application of MuslimandQuran. You can listen to it online just by logging into the mobile app of Muslim and Quran, and selecting the Surah that you want to listen to.
No special rewards are associated with the daily recitation of Surah Al-Layl. However, reciting the Quran, including Surah Al-Layl, brings huge rewards. So, you can recite this Surah whenever you may like, not necessarily on a daily basis.
The Quran, including Surah Al-Layl, was sent down for the benefit and guidance of the entire humanity; it is not for a certain language follower. Although it was revealed in Arabic, its virtues and benefits are not restricted to the Arabic-speaking people. Anyone reciting and following the teachings of the Quran, including non-Arabic-speaking people, definitely gets equal benefits, without any discrimination of language.