The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 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 the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35