The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 who guard their privates 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35