The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient (O Muhammad SAW), with a good patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 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 will strip-off the flesh 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 But not so the worshippers 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35