The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35