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 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 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 guard their chastity, 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35