The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 and guard their private parts 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35