The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 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 those who preserve their chastity 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35