The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound 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 ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35