The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending 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 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 and guard their private parts 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35