The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35