The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, 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 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 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 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 stripping away his skin, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35