The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Someone has (needlessly) demanded to experience the torment (of God), 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 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 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35