The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 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 sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35