The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 behold, they see it as if 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 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these 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 fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35