The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray, 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35