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 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35