The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask 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 his wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Eager to roast; 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 who guard their privates 29 Are free of blame, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35