The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 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 like puffs of wool. 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 his wife, his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35