The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 but We see it 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 tufts of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their 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 and his spouse and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those who are steadfast 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35