The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A caller supplicated about a punishment to fall on 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 Calling: "[O Kafir (O disbeliever in Allah, His angels, His Book, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection and in Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments), O Mushrik (O polytheist, disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah)] (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from Faith) [picking and swallowing them up from that great gathering of mankind (on the Day of Resurrection) just as a bird picks up a food-grain from the earth with its beak and swallows it up] [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 18, Page 289] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35