The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 save those that pray 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35