The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35