The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 but We see it 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 the mountains will be like wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask 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 spouse and his brother 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 except those that pray 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35