The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 the family in which he was. 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Except those who pray, 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Are free of blame, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35