The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 And We see it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] 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 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and all those on earth. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35