The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 but We see it to be 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 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 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 who guard their privates 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35