The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 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 [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of 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 spouse and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35