The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 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 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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, his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35