The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 but We see it near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 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 Dragging by the head, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35