The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35