The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, 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, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those that pray, 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35