The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
AN INQUIRER ASKED for the affliction that is to come 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the 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 who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35