The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Eager to roast; 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 save those that pray 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35