The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 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 wife and his brother. 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35