The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but We see it to be very near. 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 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 of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Eager to roast; 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35