The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 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 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 except those who are steadfast 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 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 who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35