The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 Calling: "[O Kafir (O disbeliever in Allah, His angels, His Book, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection and in Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments), O Mushrik (O polytheist, disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah)] (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from Faith) [picking and swallowing them up from that great gathering of mankind (on the Day of Resurrection) just as a bird picks up a food-grain from the earth with its beak and swallows it up] [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 18, Page 289] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35