The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 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 (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his 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 wife and his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 A remover of exteriors. 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 amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 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 private parts 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35