The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 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 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 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 whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35