The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, 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 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal 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 wife and his brother 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35