The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything 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 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who fear 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 in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35