The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can 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 patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 tearing away his skin! 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 save those that pray 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and guard their private parts 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 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 are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35