The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending 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 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35