The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but We see it near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 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 companion wife, his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those who pray, 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 and guard their private parts 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35