The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 and those in whose wealth there 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 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35