The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, 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 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Are free of blame, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35