The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 those who preserve their chastity 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 those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35