The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 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 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after 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 his wife and his brother. 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 except those that pray, 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35