The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A beseecher besought the visitation of chastisement, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be 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 hills become as flakes of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question 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 kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who pray, 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35