The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 But We see it [as] 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 hills become as flakes of wool, 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 His wife and his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 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 whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35