The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the 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 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 And We see it nigh. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 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 when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 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 are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35