| asad | |
|---|---|
| 1. * | CONSIDER the night as it veils [the earth] in darkness, |
| 2. * | and the day as it rises bright! |
| 3. * | Consider the creation of the male and the female! * |
| 4. * | Verily, [O men,] you aim at most divergent ends! * |
| 5. * | Thus, as for him who gives [to others] and is conscious of God, |
| 6. * | and believes in the truth of the ultimate good* - |
| 7. * | for him shall We make easy the path towards [ultimate] ease.* |
| 8. * | But as for him who is niggardly, and thinks that he is self-sufficient,* |
| 9. * | and calls the ultimate good a lie - |
| 10. * | for him shall We make easy the path towards hardship: |
| 11. * | and what will his wealth avail him when he goes down [to his grave]?* |
| 12. * | BEHOLD, it is indeed for Us to grace [you] with guidance; |
| 13. * | and, behold, Ours is [the dominion over] the life to come as well as [over] this earlier part [of your life]:* |
| 14. * | and so I warn you of the raging fire - |
| 15. * | [the fire] which none shall have to endure but that most hapless wretch |
| 16. * | who gives the lie to the truth and turns away [from it]. |
| 17. * | For, distant from it shall remain he who is truly conscious of God: |
| 18. * | he that spends his possessions [on others] so that he might grow in purity - |
| 19. * | not as payment for favours received, * |
| 20. * | but only out of a longing for the countenance of his Sustainer, the All-Highest: |
| 21. * | and such, indeed, shall in time be well-pleased. |