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, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 who guard their privates 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35