The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it very near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And no friend inquires after 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 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35