๏ By the night when it covers, (1) and the daylight when it reveals. (2) By He who created the male and the female, (3) your efforts are surely diverse. (4)
So as for him who brings forth and takes guard, (5) and enacts truth with beauty, (6) we will aid him with the comfort. (7) But as for him who withholds and is free from need, (8) and denies the good, (9) we will aid him with difficulty. (10) Never will avail him his wealth when he falls. (11) Indeed, upon Us is surely the guidance. (12) Indeed, for Us is the last and the first! (13)
So I warn you of a fire blazing, (14) never will burn in it except the most wretched, (15) the one who denied and turned away. (16) But will be removed from it the righteous, (17) the one who brings forth his wealth, purifying himself. (18) And it's never for anyone with him that favours be rewarded, (19) except in seeking the face of his lord, the most high. (20) And soon, surely he will be pleased. (21) ๏
— al-layl, 92/1-21
Verses 1-3 speak about alterity, complementary entities in our reality. They allow for a diversity of actions. However, certain principles are meant to be constant.
In verses 8-9, the one who withholds and considers themselves free from need – bakhila wa-is’taghnā – is condemned. From this we understand the withholding here is to withhold that which other people need, people who are not self-sufficient. In contrast, the one mentioned in verses 5-6 who brings forth and takes guard – a’ṭā wa-ittaqā – shares the fruits of their efforts and is aware that no one is self-sufficient.
This is confirmed in the final passage. Verses 18-19 shows that sharing wealth – yu’tī mālahu – and doing favours – niʿ’mat – without expecting a reward, are related. Which means wealth is not to be used to maintain and accumulate more wealth, but given away freely, just like a favour.
Although the ones guarded in this respect – al-atqā – do not expect their favours to be repaid, those who receive the favours should reciprocate if they seek the Face of God.
Those who do this will surely attain pleasure.
◆◆
Tagged: #chapter-092 #annotations