The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 But not so the worshippers 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and guard their private parts 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 seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35