The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 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 and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement 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, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35