The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 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 shall be like puffs of wool. 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 except those that pray, 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35