The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about 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 wife and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 save those that pray 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35