The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35