The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 And We see it nigh. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 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 Recompense 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35