The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 who guard their privates 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35