The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 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 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but, We see it as near! 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 except those that pray 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35