The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35