The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but, We see it as near! 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 his wife, his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35