The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 they see it as being far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 who honor their trust and promises, 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 people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35