The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his 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 wife and his brother 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Save worshippers. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35