The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his 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 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 stripping away his skin, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 except those that pray, 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35