The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35