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 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 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 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35