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 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And 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 those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35