The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the mountains will be like 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 And his spouse and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 who guard their privates 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 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 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35