The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 But not so the worshippers 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Are free of blame, 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35