The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after 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 his wife and his brother 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35