The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about 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 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35