The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Except those who pray, 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35