The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about 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 And the family in which he was. 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 who guard their privates 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35