The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, 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 all pinnacles. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 and no friend will ask about his 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 and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35