The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 but We see it near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And no friend will ask concerning his 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 his wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Are free of blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35