The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it very near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 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 and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35