The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far 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 shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those within whose wealth 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 are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35