The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 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 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35