The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 And We see it nigh. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 stripping away his skin, 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35