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 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and all those on earth. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35