The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 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 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35