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 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 but We see it near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 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 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 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 chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Are free of blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35