The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 But We see it very near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 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 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 save those that pray 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Are free of blame, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is 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 who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35