The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those that pray, 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35