The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, 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 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but, We see it as near! 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 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 his wife and his brother 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35