The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 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 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 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 by their testimony 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35