The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his wife, 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! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 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 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35