The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 his wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 save those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Are free of blame, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35