The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35