The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 Dragging by the head, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 except those who are steadfast 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35