The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 save those that pray 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35