The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35