The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 except those that pray 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35