The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 No loyal friend will ask another 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 His wife and his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 and all those on earth. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Eager to roast; 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 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 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 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 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35