The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 who guard their privates 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 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 who observe their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35