The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A requester seeks the punishment that will take place – 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of 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 his companion wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35