The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask concerning his 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 his wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35