The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 but We see it near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a 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 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 who guard their privates 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35