The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 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 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like 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 And his spouse and his brother. 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 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 preserve their chastity 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35