The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 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 be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all those on earth. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35