The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray, 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35