The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 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 They deem it to be remote. 6 And We see it nigh. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 who, from their 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 testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 who guard their privates 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these 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 fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35