The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 they see it as being far off; 6 But We see it very near. 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 become like wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 his wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35