The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 spouse and his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 A fire that melts the hide. 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 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35