The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but We see it near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 who guard their privates 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 whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 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 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35