The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Eager to roast; 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who pray, 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35