The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most 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 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be 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 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35