The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) 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 spouse and his brother. 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 But not so the worshippers 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35