The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but, We see it as near! 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who preserve 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 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35