The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From Allah, the Lord of the 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, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35