The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those who pray, 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 who guard their privates 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35