The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 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 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 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 Judgement, 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 those who preserve their chastity 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35