The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 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, his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those who pray, 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35