The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And not a friend shall ask a 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 wife and his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 except those that pray, 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and guard their private parts 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35