The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35