The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 they see it as being far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 wife 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 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35