The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except the observers of 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 testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35