The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 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 His kindred who sheltered him, 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 snatching away the scalp, 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 save those that pray 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35