The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 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 And his wife and his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 who guard their privates 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35