The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, 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 deem it to be remote. 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Save worshippers. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35