The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their 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 wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their chastity, 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 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35