The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35