The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient (O Muhammad SAW), with a good patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 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 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard 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 whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35