The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Eager to roast; 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those who pray, 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 Are free of blame, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35