The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 stripping away his skin, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35