The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 except those that pray 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 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 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35