The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another 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 and his spouse and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Eager to roast; 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily 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 respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35