The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 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 friend will ask [anything of] a 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 companion wife, his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35