The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but, We see it as near! 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 tearing away his skin! 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35