The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all those on earth. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Eager to roast; 16 Calling: "[O Kafir (O disbeliever in Allah, His angels, His Book, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection and in Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments), O Mushrik (O polytheist, disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah)] (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from Faith) [picking and swallowing them up from that great gathering of mankind (on the Day of Resurrection) just as a bird picks up a food-grain from the earth with its beak and swallows it up] [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 18, Page 289] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 who guard their privates 29 Are free of blame, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35