The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 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 goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35