The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for 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 (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the torment 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 from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35