The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but, We see it as near! 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 except those that pray, 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35