The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35