The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but We see it near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And no friend inquires after 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 wife and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 stripping away his skin, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 and guard their private parts 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 whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35