The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal 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 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Save worshippers. 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 and guard their private parts 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 whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35