The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 except those that pray, 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 and guard their private parts 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35