The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 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 that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after 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 his spouse and his brother. 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Save worshippers. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who fear 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 private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35