The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning 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 wife and his brother 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35