The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Dragging by the head, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Are free of blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35