The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 they see it as being far off; 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Are free of blame, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35