The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Dragging by the head, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 who guard their carnal desires 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 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35