The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
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 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask of a 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 spouse and his brother 12 And the family in which he was. 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 except those that pray, 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 and guard their private parts 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35