The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35