Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah opens with cosmic oaths to affirm that human efforts are divided into two contrary types, leading to two distinct fates. Its purpose is to contrast the virtues and easy path of the charitable, God-fearing believer with the vices and difficult path of the miserly disbeliever, affirming that the ultimate guidance belongs to Allah.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan according to consensus.

Context: The surah addresses the early conflict between the generous believers and the miserly polytheists. 

Chronology: It is counted as the ninth surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Aʿlā and before al-Fajr.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known as "Sūrat al-Layl" (The Night), and also "Wa-al-layl" and "Wa-l-layli idhā yaghshā" (By the Night when it covers), all based on its opening oath.

Ayah Count: 20 ayahs by consensus.

Surah Overview:

• The Two Paths: Affirming that human effort is divided into two contrary types, giving/piety and stinginess/denial each leading to a contrasting fate. [4-10]
• Establishing that Allah guides people to what is good and that the reward for the pious is the easiest path to Heaven. [7, 12, 18-21]
• Warning that the stingy and those who deny the Hereafter will be led to the most difficult path and the great Fire. [10-15]
• Spiritual Accountability: Emphasizing that wealth and possessions cannot save a miserly person from the Fire. [11]
• Consoling the Prophet (ﷺ) and establishing that Allah sent him as a reminder for those who fear (and choose to be guided). [17, 21]
• Including a final promise that the true reward of the pious is not to repay any favor but to seek the countenance of their Lord, the Most High. [20-21]