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 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Eager to roast; 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35