Lail, in arabic, means ‘night’. Allah SWT starts this surah by swearing upon the night. And then upon the day. Allah SWT explains the virtues of true ‘sadaqa’ in this sura in a very precise manner. Whatever we give, has to be for the sake of Allah SWT. Rest is upto Allah SWT, because He knows our intentions, and thats all that matters.
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By the Night as it conceals (the light);
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By the Day as it appears in glory;
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By (the mystery of) the creation of male and female;-
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Verily, (the ends) ye strive for are diverse.
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So he who gives (in charity) and fears ((Allah)),
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And (in all sincerity) testifies to the best,-
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We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Bliss.
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But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient,
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And gives the lie to the best,-
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We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery;
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Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit).
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Verily We take upon Ourselves to guide,
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And verily unto Us (belong) the End and the Beginning.
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Therefore do I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely;
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None shall reach it but those most unfortunate ones
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Who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs.
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But those most devoted to Allah shall be removed far from it,-
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Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification,
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And have in their minds no favour from anyone for which a reward is expected in return,
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But only the desire to seek for the Countenance of their Lord Most High;
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And soon will they attain (complete) satisfaction.