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 repel, 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 his wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 save those that pray 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 who are afraid of the torment 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 in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35