The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35