The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 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 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35