The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 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 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 But not so the worshippers 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35