The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35