Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Layl and also Wa?l-Layl (By the night).
It is also called Wa?l-layli idha yaghsha (By the night when it covers) Al-Layl 92. [529] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/523; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 30/377.
It was narrated that Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Mu?adh used to pray with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then he would come and lead his people in prayer. One night, he prayed ?Isha? with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then he came to his people and led them in prayer, and he started to recite Surat Al-Baqarah? And in this hadith it states that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to Mu?adh (may Allah be pleased with him): ?O Mu?adh, are you causing trouble? Recite Wa?sh-shamsi wa duhaha (By the sun and its light) Ash-Shams 91, Wa?d-duha (By the morning brightness) Ad-Duha 93, Wa?l-layli idha yaghsha (By the night when it covers) Al-Layl 92 and Sabbih isma rabbik Al-a?la (Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High) Al-A?la 87. [530] Narrated by Muslim, 465.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Layl is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [531] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Ibn Al-Jawzi. See: Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 4/453.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Highlighting the difference between the condition of the believers and the disbelievers in this world and the hereafter. [532] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 30/378.
Topics?????
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Layl include:
The oath attesting to the fact that people differ with regard to doing evil deeds and good deeds.
Highlighting the honour of the believers and the virtue of their deeds, and criticising the polytheists and their bad deeds; the requital for each of them.
Allah (%) sent His Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to remind people of the truth; the fate of the disbelievers will be hell and the righteous will be saved from it.