The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and all those on earth. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 except those that pray, 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35