The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So be patient (O Muhammad SAW), with a good patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 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 that before which none can feel secure, 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35