The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most 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 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his 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 his wife, his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 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 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35