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 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and all those on earth. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 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 who honor their trust and promises, 32 and perform their witnessings, 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