The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most 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 God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 they see it as being far off; 6 But We see it very near. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 Dragging by the head, 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35