The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 who guard their privates 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35