The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - 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 repel, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his 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 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid 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 he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35