The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A requester seeks the punishment that will take place – 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 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 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35