The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 tearing away his skin! 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 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 upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35