The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 except those that pray 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 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, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35