The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 tearing away his skin! 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who pray, 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35