The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 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 His wife and his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and all those on earth. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35