The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35