The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 And We see it nigh. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 A remover of exteriors. 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 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 and guard their private parts 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35