The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 To the disbelievers; of it there is no preventer. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 except those that pray 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35