The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
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 Stairways. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 but We see it near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 save those that pray 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35