The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a 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 his wife, his brother, 12 And the nearest of 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 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Dragging by the head, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 who guard their privates 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35