The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but We see it is nigh. 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 shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend will ask of a 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 kin that harboured him 13 and all those on earth. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 That would skin the scalp. 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 covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Save worshippers. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their private parts 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 to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35