The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those who pray, 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who guard their chastity, 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 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35