The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 but, We see it as near! 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 no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Eager to roast; 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35