The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 tearing away his skin! 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35