SURAH 92 — Al-Layl — الليل — “The Night”

• Revelation Order: 9
• Event Anchor: Early Meccan moral teaching on generosity and character (c. 610–614 CE)

Explanation:
Al-Layl contrasts two archetypal paths: the generous and God-conscious versus the stingy and self-sufficient. This moral dichotomy fits the early Meccan period when Islam was confronting entrenched social inequality and calling individuals to moral reform. The surah’s admonitions reflect a society deeply stratified by wealth and tribal status. Its tone and themes match the Prophet’s mission to awaken personal responsibility and reshape ethical attitudes long before Islamic law was institutionalized in Medina.

Verse	Verse #	Meccan v Medinan	General Index
By the night when it covers	1	Meccan	6059
And [by] the day when it appears	2	Meccan	6060
And [by] He who created the male and female,	3	Meccan	6061
Indeed, your efforts are diverse.	4	Meccan	6062
As for he who gives and fears Allah	5	Meccan	6063
And believes in the best [reward],	6	Meccan	6064
We will ease him toward ease.	7	Meccan	6065
But as for he who withholds and considers himself free of need	8	Meccan	6066
And denies the best [reward],	9	Meccan	6067
We will ease him toward difficulty.	10	Meccan	6068
And what will his wealth avail him when he falls?	11	Meccan	6069
Indeed, [incumbent] upon Us is guidance.	12	Meccan	6070
And indeed, to Us belongs the Hereafter and the first [life].	13	Meccan	6071
So I have warned you of a Fire which is blazing.	14	Meccan	6072
None will [enter to] burn therein except the most wretched one.	15	Meccan	6073
Who had denied and turned away.	16	Meccan	6074
But the righteous one will avoid it –	17	Meccan	6075
[He] who gives [from] his wealth to purify himself	18	Meccan	6076
And not [giving] for anyone who has [done him] a favor to be rewarded	19	Meccan	6077
But only seeking the countenance of his Lord, Most High.	20	Meccan	6078
And he is going to be satisfied.	21	Meccan	6079