The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 those who preserve 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 whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35