The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 And We see it nigh. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 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 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35