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 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his 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 companion (wife), his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 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 masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35