The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35