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 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about 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 nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 except those that pray 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who are fearful 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 guard their private parts, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35