The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 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 his wife, his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and all those on earth. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 save those that pray 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their 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 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35