Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Layl is a Makkan surah. In it Allah swears by different aspects of His creation and explains that the actions of people are different. Some people follow the path of righteousness while others follow the path of evil. Allah clarifies that whoever gives charity, fears Him, and believes in the reward of the Hereafter will be guided toward ease, while the one who is stingy and denies the truth will be led toward hardship and destruction.
The Oaths and the Different Paths of People (Verses 1–4)
Allah says:
“By the night as it envelops.
And by the day as it appears.
And by Him Who created male and female.
Certainly, your efforts and deeds are diverse.”
(Qur’an 92:1–4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah begins the surah by swearing by the night when it covers the creation with darkness and by the day when it appears with light and radiance. Allah also swears by the One who created male and female.
These things are opposites: night and day, male and female. Likewise, the deeds of people are also opposite. Some people perform good deeds and others perform evil deeds. Therefore, mankind follows different paths in life.
The Path of Ease for the Believer (Verses 5–7)
Allah says:
“As for him who gives and has Taqwa,
and believes in Al-Husna,
We will make smooth for him the path of ease.”
(Qur’an 92:5–7)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that this refers to the person who gives charity and fears Allah in his affairs. He also believes in Al-Husna, meaning the reward and compensation that Allah promises in the Hereafter.
For such a person, Allah makes the path of goodness easy. Ibn Abbas explained that “We will make smooth for him the path of ease” means for goodness.
The Path of Hardship for the One Who Denies (Verses 8–11)
Allah says:
“But he who is greedy and thinks himself self-sufficient,
and denies Al-Husna,
We will make smooth for him the path to evil.
And what will his wealth avail him when he goes down (in destruction)?”
(Qur’an 92:8–11)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the opposite type of person is the one who is stingy with his wealth and believes he is independent and does not need his Lord.
He denies the reward of the Hereafter. Because of this attitude, Allah allows him to follow the path that leads to evil.
When the verse says that his wealth will not benefit him when he “goes down,” some scholars explained this means when he dies, while others said it means when he enters the Fire.
Guidance Belongs to Allah (Verses 12–13)
Allah says:
“Truly, on Us is (to give) guidance.
And truly, unto Us belong the last (Hereafter) and the first (this world).”
(Qur’an 92:12–13)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that guidance is from Allah. He clarifies what is lawful and unlawful and shows people the straight path.
Both the world and the Hereafter belong entirely to Allah, and He has complete control over them.
Warning of the Fire (Verses 14–16)
Allah says:
“Therefore I have warned you of a Fire Talazza.
None shall enter it save the most wretched,
who denies and turns away.”
(Qur’an 92:14–16)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah warns mankind about the blazing Fire of Hell.
The one who deserves this punishment is the person who denies the truth in his heart and turns away from obedience and righteous actions.
The One Saved from the Fire (Verses 17–21)
Allah says:
“And those with Taqwa will be far removed from it.
He who gives of his wealth for self-purification,
And who has (in mind) no favor from anyone to be paid back,
Except to seek the Face of his Lord, the Most High.
He, surely, will be pleased.”
(Qur’an 92:17–21)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the righteous and pious person will be saved from the Fire. This person gives his wealth sincerely in obedience to Allah and does not give his wealth so that anyone may return a favour to him; he gives it only to seek the Face of his Lord, the Most High.
Rather, he spends his wealth only seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Many scholars of tafsir mentioned that these verses were revealed regarding Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, who used to free slaves in Makkah after they accepted Islam and spent his wealth sincerely for the sake of Allah. However, the wording of the verses is general and includes everyone who possesses these qualities.
Such a person will ultimately be pleased with the reward that Allah grants him in the Hereafter.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Layl (92).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Layl.