The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 But We see it very near. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35