The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 but We see it near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend inquires after 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 And the family in which he was. 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35