The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but, We see it as near! 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 except those that pray, 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35