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 Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal 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 His wife and his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 save those that pray 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35