The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
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 the ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but, We see it as near! 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35