The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 wife and his brother. 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35