The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 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 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35