The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A supplicant asked for a punishment bound to happen 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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 And the family in which he was. 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35