The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35