The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35