The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a 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 spouse and his brother 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35