The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 save those that pray 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35