The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the 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 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 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 A remover of exteriors. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 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 those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35