The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 who guard their carnal desires 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 any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35