The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35