The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure 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 see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 tearing away his skin! 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35