The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 save those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35