The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35