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 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Lo! they behold it afar 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 hills will be light as wool. 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35