The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is 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 the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning 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 wife and his brother 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35