The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal 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 his wife, his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those that pray, 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35