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 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 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 and his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35