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Sūrat al-Layl (The Night) is a Makkan sūrah which focuses on striking the balance between understanding human efforts versus divine will. When observed more closely, it seems that this sūrah can be organized into a ring structure.
Or summarized:
CONNECTIONS
[A/A’] – After taking a series of oaths, the opening culminates in “No doubt, your efforts are diverse.” Some of us strive for Allah ﷻ through giving charity, others through prayer, fasting, or volunteering. What’s important is not so much the choice of effort – so long as it is based on guidance – but more so that we know why we are striving in the first place.
And the end of the sūrah reminds us of our unified intention. We do good only seeking Allah’s pleasure, and in doing so, we are promised to be satisfied.
[B/B’] – Allah ﷻ describes those who will be rewarded with ease as those who “give” in charity, “fear (ittaqā)” Allah ﷻ and believe in Allah’s promise of good. Similarly, the linked section describes the one who will avoid punishment as “the righteous (al-atqā)” who will “give from his wealth to purify himself.”
[C/C’] – In contrast to the above, this section focuses on those who act against guidance and the consequences of their actions. On one hand, they are stingy, ungrateful, and deny (kadhdhaba) all the good Allah ﷻ has granted them, and for that they will be eased towards hardship. Later in the sūrah, evoking similar attributes, Allah ﷻ warns them that anyone who denies (kadhdhaba) and turns away from Him will be in a burning Fire.
[D] – The center highlights a very important theological point. While we are allowed to choose our actions, it is ultimately Allah ﷻ who controls our guidance and lives; both this life and the next. It just so happens that He allows His guidance to be given to those who sincerely act towards it, and denies it to those who reject it themselves.
And Allah ﷻ knows best.
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Beautiful explanation! Jazakallah khair