The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35