The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 And We see it nigh. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Save worshippers. 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 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 guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35