The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his 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 And his wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35