The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 To the disbelievers; of it there is no preventer. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and 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 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35