The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it very near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] 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 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 tearing away his skin! 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 save those that pray 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35