The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span 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 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those who pray, 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35