The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 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 heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Save worshippers. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35