The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a 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 wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35