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 which none can prevent. 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Are free of blame, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35