The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 but, We see it as near! 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Save worshippers. 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 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 any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35