The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, 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 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 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 spouse and his brother. 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their chastity, 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 whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 and who preserve 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