The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 tearing away his skin! 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Save worshippers. 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35