The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most 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 avert, 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 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 then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35