The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but We see it near at hand. 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 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Eager to roast; 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35