The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Except those who closely follow, 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who protect their private organs. 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35