The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span 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 as near! 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35