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 (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 and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another. Fain would the guilty ransom himself from the torment of that Day by his children. 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 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 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35