The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his 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 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 save those that pray 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 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 those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35