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 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is 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 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Are free of blame, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35