The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 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 will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Eager to roast; 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35