The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many 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 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 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 except those that pray, 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35