The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it very near. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Eager to roast; 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Save worshippers. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment 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 who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35