The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but, We see it as near! 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 except those that pray, 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 and guard their private parts 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35