The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 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 But We see it very near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his 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 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Eager to roast; 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who pray, 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35