The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his 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 spouse and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35