The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 But We see it very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Save worshippers. 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35