The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those who pray, 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35