The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 And We see it nigh. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35