The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 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 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35