The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask 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 wife and his brother 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 Eager to roast; 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 save those that pray 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35