The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which 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 While we behold it nigh: 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all those on earth. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35