The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment 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 (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 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 stand by their testimony 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35