The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35