The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And no friend will ask concerning his 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 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 who guard their privates 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 who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35