The Noble Qur'an Encyclopedia

(1) O you who wraps himself [in clothing],[1778]

(2) Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little -

(3) Half of it - or subtract from it a little

(4) Or add to it, and recite the Qur’ān with measured recitation.

(5) Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.[1779]

(6) Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue][1780] and more suitable for words.[1781]

(7) Indeed, for you by day is prolonged occupation.

(8) And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with [complete] devotion.

(9) [He is] the Lord of the East and the West; there is no deity except Him, so take Him as Disposer of [your] affairs.[1782]

(10) And be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.

(11) And leave Me with [the matter of] the deniers, those of ease [in life], and allow them respite a little.

(12) Indeed, with Us [for them] are shackles and burning fire

(13) And food that chokes and a painful punishment -

(14) On the Day the earth and the mountains will convulse and the mountains will become a heap of sand pouring down.

(15) Indeed, We have sent to you a Messenger as a witness upon you just as We sent to Pharaoh a messenger.

(16) But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a ruinous seizure.

(17) Then how can you fear, if you disbelieve, a Day that will make the children white-haired?[1783]

(18) The heaven will break apart therefrom;[1784] ever is His promise fulfilled.

(19) Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way.

(20) Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muḥammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allāh determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it[1785] and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur’ān. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allāh and others fighting for the cause of Allāh. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakāh and loan Allāh a goodly loan.[1786] And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allāh. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.