The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 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 see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35