The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35