The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 And We behold it nigh. 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 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35