The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35