The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray, 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35