The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 wife and his brother. 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35