The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35