The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but We see it to be very 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 will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 stripping away his skin, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Save worshippers. 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35