The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it is nigh. 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 friend shall not ask of friend 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35