The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all those on earth. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35