Sūrat al-Layl

Sūrat al-Layl, No. 92. Revealed in Makkah, 21 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

The Prophet a has said: Whoever recites this sūra, Allah will grant him until he is well pleased, and He will save him from difficulties and ease the path of life for him.

Note: The rewards outlined in Hadith for recitation of sūras would be received in full by those who act on the messages in the sūras.

General synopsis of contents

1) Oaths on the truth of the message to follow (vv. 1-3)

2) Two groups of people; those who spend in the way of Allah and those who are miserly (vv. 4-11)

3) Guidance and all control belong to Allah (vv. 12-13)

4) The fate of those who reject Allah (vv. 14-16)

5) The intentions and reward of the pious (vv. 17-21)

Selected Lessons

1) People have different goals in life and their actions in life depend on their goals.

2) Allah eases the path of obedience for those who strive for it. While those who reject Allah will find the path of disobedience easy for them.

3) Guidance comes from Allah for those who are sincere and struggle for it.

4) The truly pious person seeks purification of the soul and the pleasure of the Almighty.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 92:4 – Your efforts are indeed diverse.

2) 92:12 – Indeed guidance rests with Us.

3) 92:19-20 – Who does not expect any reward from anyone, but seeks only the pleasure of their Lord, the Most Exalted.

Activities for self-study

1) The cause of revelation of this Sūrah is an interesting story of the owner of a palm tree and his behaviour with a poor family. Read the story at:

https://www.al-islam.org/enlightening-commentary-light-holy-quran-vol-20/surah-lail-chapter-92

2) Seeking Allah’s pleasure results in the human being becoming well pleased himself. Many verses of the Quran talk about this mutual relationship. Check 58:22, 89:28, 98:8.